It's so fun to think about what it must have been like in California in the 1950s and 60s and even back to the 30s and 40s. A piece of this history is the pottery that was being produced in studios and commercially at the time. Such style...reminiscent of the beach and innovative, laid-back western lifestyle.
I'm becoming more familiar names like Vernon, Franciscan, Metlox, Bauer, Gladding McBean, Heath, etc. There's much more for me to learn, and there are many experts out there. Vernonware is popular because of its great quality and California style of course, but also because its "Raffia" pattern has been featured in the Mad Men kitchen:
So cute!
Here are some Vernon finds I've come across lately:
Vernonware "Sherwood"
Produced from 1958 - 1965
Vernonware "Trade Winds"
Produced just from 1954 - 1955
I would love get more of this, it's lovely.
A little bit later Vernon pattern called "Della Robbia"
1960s - 1980s
Metlox is the umbrella company for Vernon, Poppytrail, and anything referred to as "Prouty." Prouty was the name of the founding family. These amazing early 1930s grill plates were from the early years of Metlox. Look at the cool back stamp!
My grandmother had this "Vineyard" pattern and we always kind of joked about them, us little girls thinking they were so ugly. Then they sat for years and years in my parents' garage...Mom often tried to talk us into taking "Grandmommy's grape dishes." Did she end up getting rid of them? I'm afraid to ask now! Even though I still don't totally love the pattern, it would be nice to have them as a keepsake.
~ Jenny
