Van Briggle Pottery was founded in Colorado Springs, Colorado circa 1901 (some say 1899) by Artus and Anne Van Briggle. Artus was an accomplished painter and had studied abroad while working for Rookwood Pottery. It was there he garnered an appreciation for the Art Nouveau styles and the Oriental matt glazes which he incorporated into his style and techniques established for Van Briggle Pottery. Thus, making them a fundamental force in American Art Pottery and the Arts and Craft movement. In1904, after only three years at the helm of Van Briggle, Artus died from tuberculosis at the young age of 35. But the designs and glazes he produced in those three years carried the pottery into the 21st century. After his death Anne continued their work until 1912. For many, many years Van Briggle Pottery was a mainstay for tourists visiting Colorado Springs. They toured the workshop and bought souvenir treasures which spread Van Briggle pieces throughout the world. Van Briggle finally closed their doors for good in 2012, 111 years after opening.