posted 01-07-2015 10:55 AM            

According to The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History, "The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported in December of 2008 that Potter and Mellen planned to close its store but 'continue its online business and corporate sales,' after their renowned goldsmith, Jim Mazurkewicz, retired."

The current PM website is a placeholder, but cached versions are still around. Here's the official History from the old site:

"The mission of Potter and Mellen, Inc, is to continue to uphold the standards of excellence in craftsmanship, design and customer service as established by Horace E. Potter in 1899. It is our intent with respect for tradition to embrace change as necessary for a retail business in the 21st century.

Horace Ephraim Potter was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 10th, 1873. In 1899,The Potter Shop was opened to showcase his decorative metal work and jewelry. Potter was a graduate of the Cleveland School of Art. His artistic expertise Involved incorporating decorative design elements and historic ornament into handwrought brass and silver objects, as well as fine jewelry.

In 1907, Potter traveled to England where he gained inspiration from the Arts and Crafts Movement. This experience encouraged him to appreciate the tradition of handmade objects versus those made in the factory. He and acquaintance Louis Tiffany were instrumental in introducing the Arts and Crafts Movement in America. Potter exhibited his jewelry and holloware in the Studio as well as in major art museums throughout the country.

In 1928, The Potter Studio became The Potter Bentley Studios with the addition
of partner Gurdon W. Bentley, and the firm moved to its present location at East 105th Street and Carnegie Avenue. The firm expanded its product lines to include fine china, silver jewelry and garden accessories. In 1933, Bentley withdrew from the company, and Louis Mellen became partner. Potter and Mellen, Inc. was established as a new corporation.

Horace E. Potter died in 1948,and in 1967, Louis Mellen sold the firm to both Frederick Miller,a renowned designer & silversmith, and Jack Schlundt. Together both maintained the tradition of handwrought jewelry and holloware.