California pottery

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California pottery includes industrial, commercial, and decorative pottery produced in the Northern California and Southern California regions of the U.S. state of California. Production includes brick, sewer pipe, architectural terra cotta, tile, garden ware, tableware, kitchenware, art ware, figurines, giftware, and ceramics for industrial use. Ceramics include terra cotta, earthenware, porcelain, and stoneware products.

Contents

Ceramic Originals by Freeman-Leidy, crane figurine. Freeman leidy bird.jpg
Ceramic Originals by Freeman-Leidy, crane figurine.

Key milestones in the history of California pottery include: the arrival of Spanish settlers, the advent of statehood and subsequent population growth, the arts and crafts movement, Great Depression, World War II era and the post-WWII onslaught of low-priced imports leading to a steep decline in the number of California potteries. California potters large and small have left a legacy of tableware design, collectibles, art, and architecture.

History

Tile has been a favorite building material in California since the early Spanish settled the area and brought with them the tradition of using brightly colored tiles in architecture. Helen Stiles, author of numerous books on the history of pottery, noted that Spanish, Mexican, and Chinese design of the 17th and 18th centuries all influenced the decoration of tile and other pottery in California. [1]

As people moved into California after statehood in 1848, the demand for ceramic products grew exponentially. Buildings needed roofs, floors, and sewer pipes. The ceramic industry grew as the demand increased. The "Golden Era in tile making" [2] and art pottery, influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, was around 1910. Architect Julia Morgan used tiles to adorn her buildings, including the Hearst Castle in the 1920s.

The most active period for the production of household ceramics including tableware, kitchenware, giftware, and art ware was from the 1930s through the 1960s.[ citation needed ] The major area of U.S. household ceramics production was in the Los Angeles basin.[ citation needed ] Around Los Angeles there were over 300 producers of figurines. Next in size was the Trenton area, followed by East Liverpool, and a few in the middle west, such as Ceramic Arts Studio, Red Wing Pottery and Haeger Potteries. [3]

The period around World War II saw the greatest growth for the U.S. ceramic industry.[ citation needed ] With imports cut off from European and Asian markets, small family-owned and larger potteries stepped in to fill the need for ceramic giftware and tableware throughout the United States. By 1948, "the peak year for the industry, over eight hundred ceramic concerns were in operation throughout California." [4] With sunlight year round, an abundance of raw materials, and relatively inexpensive natural gas, California became competitive with centers of ceramic production such as the "Pottery Capital of the World" East Liverpool, Ohio, and Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England.

In the 1950s, favorable trade agreements toward Asian countries contributed to a flood of competitively priced ceramic wares entering the United States market. Only a fraction of California potteries survived this competition through the early 1960s. As of 2023, only a few are still in business.

"Big Five" California potteries

The "Big Five" [5] California potteries, from the 1930s to the 1960s in reference to the range of products and output, were Vernon Kilns, J.A. Bauer Pottery, Metlox Potteries, Pacific Clay Products, and Gladding, McBean & Co. All of the "Big Five" potteries operated production facilities in the Los Angeles Basin. Gladding, McBean & Co. grew from one factory manufacturing sewer pipe and architectural terra cotta in Lincoln, California, to factories throughout California and the Pacific Northwest. Vernon Kilns closed in 1958, J.A. Bauer in 1962, and Metlox in 1988. The former Gladding, McBean & Co.'s Franciscan tableware and tile factory in Los Angeles was bought by Wedgwood from the Interpace corporation in 1979. Wedgwood closed the Franciscan Ceramics plant in 1984, moving production of the Franciscan tableware brands to England. The former Gladding, McBean & Co.'s Lincoln factory was purchased by Pacific Coast Building Products in 1976 and continues to produce sewer pipe, architectural terra cotta, and terra cotta garden ware. Pacific Clay Products discontinued manufacturing tableware, art ware, and figurines in 1942. Pacific Clay Products continues to manufacture sewer pipe.

Big Five potteries table

To use the sortable tables: click on the icons at the top of each column to sort that column in alphabetical order; click again for reverse alphabetical order.

PotteryLocation(s)DatesTradename(s) / Products
J.A. Bauer Pottery Los Angeles 1909–1962Flower pots, crocks, jugs, tableware, garden ware, & art ware [4]
Gladding, McBean & Co., Lincoln plant (Interpace after 1962 and Pacific Coast Building Products after 1976)) Lincoln 1875–presentSewer pipe, roof tiles, architectural terra cotta, paver tiles & garden ware [6]
Gladding, McBean & Co., Glendale plant (Interpace after 1962, and Franciscan Ceramics, Inc. after 1979)Los Angeles1923–1984"Franciscan" "Catalina Pottery" tableware, kitchenware, art ware & "Hermosa" tile [4]
Metlox Manufacturing Company Manhattan Beach 1927–1988Tableware, giftware, kitchenware, cookie jars, figurines & art ware [7]
Pacific Clay Products Los Angeles1916–presentSewer pipe. From 1932 to 1942: "Pacific Pottery" tableware, kitchenware, art ware & figurines. From 1943–present: brick & pavers [8]
Vernon Kilns Vernon 1931–1958Tableware, art ware, & figurines [9]

Potteries of California

Northern California

Geographically, see Northern California.

To use the sortable tables: click on the icons at the top of each column to sort that column in alphabetical order; click again for reverse alphabetical order.

PotteryLocation(s)DatesTradename(s) / Products
Arequipa Pottery Fairfax 1911–1918 Art pottery [2] [10]
Billie VierBerkeley1940sFigurines [11]
California Art Tile Company (Cal Art) Richmond 1923–1964 Tile [2]
California Faience (The Tile Shop before 1924) Berkeley 1915–1959Art pottery & tile [2] [12]
California Pottery CompanyOakland, Niles, Merced 1873–1929Pipe, roof tile, utilitarian pottery, crockery, & garden ware [13]
California Ra-Art Richmond 1930sArt ware & figurines [11]
Camp Del Mar Pottery Capitola late 1940s-early 1950s"Campo" tableware & art ware [14]
Carnegie Brick and Pottery Company Pottery plant Tesla, California1903-1911Figurines, art pottery, vases, urns, clay pipes [15]
Chase Originals (Adele Chase)Berkeley1930s-1950sArt ware & figurines [11]
Environmental Ceramics, Inc.San Francisco1960sKitchenware [16]
Evans Ceramics Inc. Healdsburg 1974-Art ware & cookware [14]
Garden City Pottery Company San Jose 1902–1979 Crockery, tableware, art ware, garden ware & kitchenware [17]
Gladding Ceramic Insulator Company, Inc.San Jose1924-Tile. "Gladco" insulators after 1964 [14]
Heath Ceramics Sausalito 1948–present Tableware & art ware
Handcraft Tile (San Jose Tile before 1931) Topanga 1926–presentTile [18]
Hans Sumpf Company Madera 1939–2006Garden ware & architectural wall surfaces [19]
Homer Knowles Pottery Company Santa Clara 1923–1937"K.T.K" "K.T. and K." Art ware, restaurant ware, figurines & novelty giftware [14] [20]
Jade Snow Wong San Francisco 1950s-1960sArt ware
Jam Ceramic Design Sacramento 1975-mid-1980sArtware, tableware, figurines & giftware [14]
Jane Fauntz Berkeley 1940sFigurines [11]
Jessie Grimes San Francisco Bay area 1940sFigurines [11]
Kay the Potter (Kay Kinney)Berkeley1930sFigurines & art ware [11]
LagunitaOakland1940sFigurines [11]
Laurel Pottery and Manufacturing CompanyStockton1938–1962Flower pots, art ware & tableware [14]
Monterey Pottery Carmel Valley 1948-unknown"Monterey Jade" art ware, figurines & giftware [11] [20]
Mudflat Pottery Alviso 1974-unknownCookie Jars, giftware, tableware & utilitarian ware [20]
Muresque Tiles Oakland 1925–1935Tile [21]
Panama Pottery Sacramento 1914–presentUtility ware, flower pots, garden ware & art ware [22]
Pond Farm Pottery Guerneville 1953–1980Art pottery
Ransgil Glass Co. Oakland 1940s-50sGold-encrusted china and glassware
Red DoatBerkeley1930sFigurines [11]
Redlands Pottery Redlands 1902–1909Art ware [10]
Richenda Stevick Redwood City, then Berkeley1930sFigurines & art ware [11]
Roblin Art PotterySan Francisco1898–1906Art pottery [12]
San Carlos Pottery San Carlos late 1930s-late 1940sArtware & figurines [11] [14]
San Jose Tile (Handcraft Tile after 1931) San Jose, California 1926–1931Tile [18]
Sierra Vista Ceramics Sierra Vista 1942–1951Giftware, cookie jars & kitchenware [14]
Solon and Schemmel Tile Company (S&S) San Jose 1920–1936Tile [21]
Sorcha Boru San Carlos 1936–1950Art ware, giftware & figurines [12]
Stockton Terra Cotta Company (Stockton Art Pottery after 1896) Stockton 1890–1895Firebrick, sewer pipe & stove pipe & art pottery [10]
Stockton Art Pottery (Stockton Brick and Pottery Company after 1901)Stockton1896–1900Sewer pipe, brick & art pottery [10]
Stockton Brick and Pottery CompanyStockton1901-1902Sewer pipe & brick [10] [15]
StoneliteSan JoseunknownTile [16]
Strictly StonewareCapitolaunknownTableware [23]
Technical Porcelain and Chinaware Company (TEPCO) El Cerrito 1922–1968 [11] [14]
Walrich Pottery Berkeley 1922–1930Art pottery, figurines & tile [21]
WashburnBerkeley1930s-1940sArt ware [11]
West Coast Porcelain Manufacturers Millbrae 1920sSanitary ware & "California Porcelain" art ware [14]
Woolenius Tile CompanyBerkeley1927–1941Tile [21]

Southern California

Geographically, see Southern California.

To use the sortable tables: click on the icons at the top of each column to sort that column in alphabetical order; click again for reverse alphabetical order.

PotteryLocation(s)DatesTradename(s) / Products
Acme Tile Company Los Angeles 1925–1932 Tile [2]
Adelle Laguna Beach 1940sArt ware [11]
Affiliated Craftsmen's StudioLos AngelesunknownPlanters [24]
Alhamhra Kilns, Inc.Alhambra1920s-Floor and roof tile [25]
Alberhill Coal and Clay CompanyAlberhill (Riverside County)1882–1920 Art pottery from 1910 to 1912 [10] [12]
Alexander Franzka La Crescenta-Montrose 1965-1987Figurines, art ware, gift ware, terra cotta [11]
Alhambra Kilns, Inc. Santa Monica 1926–1937Tile & roof tile [2]
American Ceramic ProductsLos Angeles, Santa Monica1939–1967"La Mirada" "Winfield" tableware, art ware, & figurines [4]
American China CompanyLos Angeles1920sTile [25]
American Encaustic Tiling Company (Gladding, McBean & Co. after 1933) Vernon, Hermosa Beach 1919–1933Tile [2]
American PotteryLos Angeles, San Juan Capistrano 1943–1953"Brad Keeler Art Ware" "American Pottery" giftware, art ware, & figurines [4]
American Refractories CompanyLos AngelesunknownFire brick [25]
Angulo Tile CompanySanta Barbara & ResedaunknownFloor & roof tile [25]
Ann Crochran North Hollywood early to mid-1950sArt ware [11]
Arcadia Ceramics Arcadia 1940s-1950sNovelty giftware [4]
Architectural PotteryLos Angeles1950–1962Planters, ash trays [26]
Artistic Potteries Company Whittier 1940sArt ware, giftware & figurines [14]
Atlas Fire Brick CompanyLos AngelesunknownFire brick [25]
B.J. Brock (Southern California Pottery Company) Lawndale 1947-80"Brock" "Brock Ware" "Grantcrest" tableware [4] [14]
Ball Brothers Inglewood 1943–1948Art ware & figurines [4]
Barbara Willis North Hollywood 1942–1958Art ware & figurines [27]
Batchelder Pasadena 1910–1932Tile & architectural products [21]
Batchelder-Wilson CompanyLos Angelesmid-1920sTile & architectural products [25]
Bauer Pottery Company of Los AngelesLos Angeles2000–present"Bauer 2000" Tableware, art ware & kitchenware [28]
Belmar of CaliforniaLos Angeles1965–1967Art ware [14]
Bell Manufacturing and Sales Co.Los Angeles1950sFigurines & art ware [11]
The BennettsNorth Hollywood1940s-1950sArt ware [11]
Bergstrom and French Glendale, California (Scottsdale, Arizona after 1954)1946–1953"Solana Ware" Ovenware [14]
Bernard StudiosLos Angeles1940sFigurines [11]
Beth Barton Fullerton 1940s-1950sFigurines [11]
Betty Lou Nichols La Habra 1949–1962Giftware & figurines [29]
Bevan KilnsPasadena, Sierra Madre after 19431940sFigurines & giftware [11]
Bill MeyerLos Angeles1950sFigurines & art ware [11]
Bishop of Californiaunknown1940sPlanters, giftware [30]
Block PotteryLos Angeles1940sFigurines, art ware & giftware [11]
Bradster PotteriesLos Angeles1941–1943Tableware, art ware & figurines [4]
Brayton Laguna Pottery Laguna Beach 1927–1968Tableware, art ware & figurines [21]
Brusche Ceramics/Brusche Ceramics of California (J.A. Bauer Pottery after 1950) Whittier 1949Tableware [14]
Burke-Simmonsunknownlate 1930s-1940sFigurines [11]
Burke-Wintonunknown1930sFigurines [11]
California Art Productsunknown1940sGiftware [11]
California Art Tile Company (Cal Art) Richmond 1923–1964Tile [2]
California Brick and Tile Company (formerly Owens Brick CompanyVan NuysunknownBrick [25]
California BelleekLos Angeles1948–1967Figurines, giftware, tableware & art ware [14]
California Ceramics (Ceramic Manufacturing Company) Calabasas 1940s-1950s"Orchard Ware" tableware [14] [21]
California China Products Company (CCPCo) National City 1911–1917"Kaospar" tile [2] [10]
California Clay Products (Calco) South Gate 1923–1932Tile [2]
The California Cleminsons El Monte 1941–1963Giftware & figurines [4]
California Dresden Glendale 1951–1954Figurines & art ware [14]
California Figurine Company (Weil of California after 1946)Los Angeles1941–1946"Weil Ware" giftware, artware, tableware & figurines [4]
California Originals Torrance 1955–1982Kitchenware, giftware [4]
California Pottery and Tile WorksLos Angeles1994–presentTile [31]
CalpotterLaguna Beach1940sArt ware [11]
Capistrano Ceramics/John R. Stewart Inc. San Juan Capistrano 1948–1951Art ware & figurines [14]
Carlana ChinaLos Angeles1940sFigurines [20]
Catalina Clay Products Avalon, Catalina Island 1927–1937Tableware, art ware, tile, giftware & figurines [32]
Casa Verdugo Pottery Montrose 1940sGiftware [33]
Cemar Clay Products Los Angeles1935–1955Giftware, kitchenware, art ware & figurines [4]
Ceramicraft San Clemente 1950sArt ware [11]
Ceramic Originals by Freeman-LeidyLaguna Beach1944–1955Figurines, giftware, & tile [20]
Chalice of CaliforniaLos Angeles1945-early 1950sTableware, art ware & figurines [11]
Classic Terra Cotta CompanyLong Beach2003–presentTerra cotta floor tile [34]
Clay SketchesPasadena1940-50sFigurines [4]
Clay Works, Inc. Canoga Park 1973-Planters [20]
Claycraft PotteriesLos Angeles1921–1939Tile [2]
The Claysmiths San Gabriel 1945–1956"Will-George" art ware & figurines [4]
Claire LernerLos Angeles1946-1950sArt ware & figurines [4]
Cole-Merris San Gabriel early 1940sArt ware & figurines [11]
Covina PotteryCovina1943-1990sPlanters & art ware [11]
Crest China Company (Royal Crest China after 1952) Santa Ana 1949-mid-1950sArt ware & giftware [14]
Crowell Hemet 1940sFigurines [11]
D. & M. Tile CompanyLos Angeles1928–1939Tile [2]
Dan Danielsunknown1930sFigurines [11]
De Forest of California Duarte 1950–1970Cookie jars & novelty giftware [20]
deLee Art CompanyLos Angeles1937-1950sFigurines [35]
DeCora Ceramics, Inc. Inglewood 1952–1954Art pottery, wall plates & dinnerware [14] [36]
Decorative Arts, Inc. Hawthorne 1927–1933"Dec-Art" tile [2]
Denwar Ceramics Costa Mesa 1940s-1950sDinnerware [11]
Desert Sands Barstow 1960s-70sArt ware [4]
Designcraft, Inc.Los Angeles1963-Tile, kitchenware and art ware [20]
Dick Knox PotteryLaguna Beach1942–1950"Knox China" tableware & art ware [4]
Donna Winstonunknown1950sArt ware, giftware & mugs [11]
Doranne of CaliforniaLos Angeles1950s-1980sCookie jars, kitchenware, giftware, & planters [4]
Douglass Clay Products Company (Pacific Sewer Pipe after 1910)Los Angeles1903–1910Sewer pipe [37]
Dorothy KindellLaguna Beach1940s-1950sGiftware & figurines [4]
Drummond PotteryCapistrano Beach1950sFigurines [11]
Dubby of Hollywood Hollywood 1940sFigurines [11]
Earthgender El Segundo 1970sArt ware & planters
Edmond RonakyLaguna Beach1950sArt ware & giftware [11]
ElzacLos Angeles, after 1944 Hawthorne1941–1947Figurines [11]
Emesco Refractories CompanyLos Angeles1927-unknownFire brick [25]
Empire China Company Burbank 1920s-Restaurant ware & tableware [20]
The Enchanto Co.Burbank1950sTableware [11]
Esther Shirey Encino 1930sFigurines [4]
Eugene White Bell Gardens 1941–1948Tableware & art ware [11]
Ever Art CeramicsLos Angeles1940sArt ware [38]
The Feldman CompanyLos AngelesunknownLamps [24]
FHR Fred Robertson Los Angeles Pottery Los Angeles1906–1921Art ware
Fleurette Ceramics, Inc.West Hollywood1950sGiftware [20]
Flintridge China Company (Gorham after 1970)Pasadena1945–1970Tableware [20]
Florence CeramicsPasadena1942–1977Giftware & figurines [39]
Frazier, Inc. North Hollywood 1960sKitchenware [14]
Fred Wind CeramicsGlendale1950–1960"Windware" art ware [11]
Freeman Lederman Van Nuys unknownKitchenware & tableware [40]
Freeman McFarlin El Monte & San Marcos 1951–1980Art ware & figurines [41]
G.T. Chemical Products, Inc.San Diego1977-1980s"Clay in Mind" planters, cookware, & giftware [14]
Gainey Ceramics Inc. La Verne 1949–2013Planters & tile [20]
Gene Lodiunknown1950sArt ware [11]
Genevieve and Charles TulleyGlendale1947-unknownLamps, art ware & figurines [20]
Gilner Culver City 1948–1957Art ware [4]
Globe Tile and Porcelain WorksLos AngelesunknownTile [25]
Golden State CeramicsPasadena1940sArtware & giftware [42]
Grand Feu Art Pottery (Brauckman Art Pottery)Los Angelesmid-1900s"Grand Feu" and "Brauckman" art ware [12]
Grant BeachLos Angeles1940sArt ware [33]
Grayson ArtsPasadena1949-unknownGiftware & art ware [14]
Green Tree Studio (Bess Wilson)North Hollywood1940sGifware [33]
Group ArtecLos AngelesunknownTile & planters [23]
Guppy Corona del Mar 1940s-1950s“Island Ware” tableware [4]
H.F. Coors Inglewood 1925–2003Institutional china [4] [20] [43]
H & H Tile CompanyLos Angeles1927-unknownTile [25]
Hagen-Renaker Monrovia then San Dimas 1946–2021Giftware, planters & figurines [41]
Halcyon Art Pottery Halcyon 1910–1913Art pottery [10]
Haldeman PotteryBurbank1933–1953"Caliente" art ware & figurines [4]
Hallfield Potteryunknown1950sFigurines [11]
Hamilton PotteryLos Angeles1930sFigurines & art ware [11]
Hardie-Arnita El Segundo 1940sFigurines [11]
Harold Burress PotteryNorth Hollywood1950sGiftware [20]
Harold Johnson Glendale 1940–1952Art ware [4]
Hedi Schoop Hollywood1940–1958Art ware & figurines [4]
Heirlooms of Tomorrow (California Originals after 1955) Manhattan Beach 1944–1955Figurines [4]
Helen Greenleaf Lane Upland 1874–1962Tile [21]
Hermione CeramicsGlendale1940s-1950sGiftware & figurines [36] [44]
Hinkle of Monrovia Monrovia 1940sKitchenware [30]
Hispano-MoresqueLos Angeles1927–1934Tile [21]
Hoffman Tile Company Ontario unknown"Dequa" tile [40]
Hollydale Potteries Harbor City 1935–1959“Malibu Modern” tableware [4]
Howard Pierce Ceramics LaVerne, after 1945 Claremont, after 1968 Joshua Tree 1941–1994Giftware & figurines [45]
Hueckel China and Porcelain Company, Inc. El Monte 1948-"Kaolina" art ware, & hotel ware [20]
Italian Terra Cotta CompanyLos AngelesunknownArchitectural Terra Cotta & garden ware [25]
Ivar of HollywoodHollywood1940sArt ware & figurines [11]
Jane CallenderNorth Hollywood1942-early 1950sFigurines [4]
Jane Holland South Gate 1940sKitchenware [11]
Jaru Art ProductsCulver City1950–1968Art ware & figurines [20]
Jaska of CaliforniaLos Angeles1946-mid-1950sGiftware & "Cascade Ware" tableware [14]
Jean Goodwin AmesPadua Hills, Claremont1950sGiftware & art ware [11]
Jean ManleyNorth Hollywood1940-50sFigurines [11]
Jean Readunknown1940sGiftware [30]
Jenev Studio Design Los Angeles1953–1959Giftware & art ware
Johanna CeramicsCosta Mesa1940sArt ware [11]
Josef OriginalsMonrovia1946–1985Figurines [46]
Johannes BrahmLos Angeles/Reseda 1945–1956Giftware & art ware [20]
Joy ThompsonPasadena1940s-1950sFigurines [4]
K & M PotteryLos AngelesunknownStoneware utilitarian wares [25]
Karl Romaunknown1940sArtware, figurines & giftware [11]
Kay Finch CeramicsCorona Del Mar1940s-1963Tableware, art ware, & figurines [47]
Kaye of HollywoodNorth Hollywoodearly 1940sFigurines [4]
Kellems of CeramicsPasadena1940sArt ware [11]
Kim Ward (formerly Kaye of Hollywood)North Hollywoodlate 1940sFigurines [4]
The Kiln of Sara Hume Altadena 1940sArt ware & figurines [48]
Kinneloa KilnLos Angeles1938–1951"Batchhelder Ceramics" art ware [14]
Kipp CeramicsPasadenalate 1940sArt ware & figurines [20]
Knowles, Taylor, and KnowlesBurbank1940sArt ware & figurines [11]
Kraftile Niles 1926–1997Tile [21]
L.A. Pressed BrickLos Angeles1887–1926Brick, architectural terra cotta & tile [21]
La Mirada PotteriesLos Angeles1935–1939Tableware, art ware & figurines [11]
La Cañada Newhall 1930s-1940sTableware, kitchenware & art ware [4]
Landaker Original CeramicsLos Angeles1940sArt ware & figurines [11]
Lane Van Nuys 1940s-1950sTV lamps & planters [4]
Lee WollardBurbank1946–1951Figurines & art ware [12]
Leneige ChinaBurbank1934–1955Tableware & art ware [14]
Lester of CaliforniaPasadena1950sFigurines [11]
Los Angeles Potteries Lynwood 1940s-1971Tableware, cookie jars, & kitchenware [4] [20]
Los Angeles Stoneware Company (Douglass Clay Products Company after 1903)Los Angeles1900–1903Sewer pipe [37]
Lucie WatkinsLos Angeles1940sFigurines & art ware [11]
M & L Manufacturing Company Azusa 1950s"De Maray" tableware & art ware [11]
Mackie ArtwareCorona Del Mar1940s-1950sFigurines & art ware [11]
Madeline OriginalsPasadena1948–presentArt ware & garden ware [4]
Maddux of CaliforniaLos Angeles1938–1976Art ware, giftware & figurines [4]
Malibu Ceramic WorksTopanga1979–presentTile, pots, terra cotta floor tile [49]
Malibu Potteries Malibu 1926–1932Tile [21]
Marc Bellaire, Inc.Culver City1953-early 1960sGiftware, figurines & art ware [11]
Marcia Ceramics of CaliforniaLos Angelesearly 1940s-unknownCookie jars, giftware & figurines [20]
Markham Pottery National City 1913–1921Art ware [12]
MarkoffInglewood1926–1945Tile [21]
Marsh IndustriesGlendale, after 1959 Los Angeles1950-"French Chef Cookware" cookware and "California Giftware" giftware [14]
Mary Jane HartLos Angeles1940s"Copa de Oro" figurines [11]
MaybrikLos AngelesunknownTile [16]
Mathew AdamsLos Angeles1960sArt ware [4]
Max P.H. SchonfeldLos Angeles1939-late 1950s"Kaolina" artware & giftware [14]
Maxine Cloud Hawthorne 1945–1953Giftware & art ware [11]
McCarty Brothers Sierra Madre 1940sGiftware & figurines [4]
Mc Me Productions Simi Valley 1980sCookie Jars [11]
McAffeeSan Gabriel1940sArt ware [11]
Mel Ceramics Torrance 1950sTableware & art ware [36] [50]
Meyers/California Rainbow PotteryVernon1930s-1940sTableware, kitchenware & art ware [4]
Miramar of CaliforniaLos Angeles1950s-1960sTableware, kitchenware & art ware [4]
Mission China CompanyLos AngelesunknownHotel & restaurant ware [25]
Modglin's OriginalsLos Angeles1940–1945Figurines [4]
Moreno CeramicsPomona1971-unknownFlower pots & figural planters [20]
Nipedal Manufacturing Co.Pasadena1940s"Pas Cal" figurines & giftware [42]
Northington Inc.Los Angeles1950sTableware [11]
Orange Grove PotteryBurbank1948–1974Tableware, giftware & planters [20]
PadreLos Angeles1930s-1940sTableware, kitchenware, art ware & figurines [4]
Pacific Art Tile Company (Western Art Tile Company after 1904Los Angeles (Tropico)1902–1904Tile [10] [25]
Pacific Sewer Pipe Company (Pacific Clay Products after 1916)Los Angeles, Los Nietos1910–1916Sewer pipe [37]
Pat and Covey StewartLaguna Beach1940sArt ware [11]
Peterson StudiosEl Segundo1950sArt ware [11]
Phyllis LesterLos Angeles1940sArt ware [11]
Pillin Pottery Los Angelesearly 1948-1992Art ware [14]
Pixie Potters (Millicent Andrews)Los Angeles1939–1954" Millesan Drews Miniature Pixies" figurines [11] [14]
Poinsettia Ceramics Baldwin Park 1940sGiftware [30]
Pomona Tile Manufacturing Co. Pomona 1923–1976Tile [21]
Potters Associated Paramount unknownTableware [40]
Poxon China ProductsVernon1912–1928Tile & tableware [21]
Pro ArtisansManhattan BeachunknownLamps [40]
Proutyline Products (American Encaustic Tiling Co. after 1926)Hermosa Beach1921–1926Tile [7]
Raymond KoechlinLos Angeles1940sArt ware [11]
Rembrant PotteryLaguna Beach1930sArt ware [11]
Renaker-Brazel Leucadia 1974–1992Miniature figurines [41]
Rhead Pottery Santa Barbara 1913–1917Tile [21]
Ridgewood ChinaLos Angeles1940sTableware [36]
Rio Hondo El Monte 1939-mid-1950sFigurines [11] [14]
Riverside Ceramics Riverside County 1946–1947Zeisel tableware [51]
Robaul of Californiaunknown1940s-1950sArt ware [11]
Robert Maxwell Studio Venice 1960s-1970s"Robert Maxwell Stoneware" art ware, planters, figurines [52]
Robert Simmons Costa Mesa 1940s-1950sGiftware & figurines [4]
Robertson/Hollywood Pottery Los Angeles1934–1952Art ware
Robyn Ceramics Fallbrook, after 1955 Idyllwild 1940s-1950sFigurines [11]
Rose S. Shep Seal Beach 1948–1963Tableware, giftware, planters, & lamps [12]
The Rose Crown China Co.Pasadena1940sGiftware [30]
Roselane PotteryPasadena1938–1977Giftware, art ware & figurines [4]
RossLaguna Beach, then Hawthorne 1940sFigurines [11]
Rothman StonewareLos Angeles1971–1982"Rothwoman" kitchenware, & tableware [20]
Roy John of Wilmar California Wilmar 1940sFigurines [42]
Rumphunknown1960s-1970sArt ware & mugs [11]
Saar Lawndale, then El Segundo 1950–1962Art ware, tableware, & giftware [11]
San Vallé Tile KilnsLos Angeles1952-unknownTableware [14]
Santa AnitaLos Angeles1940s-1950sTableware & kitchenware [4]
Santa Barbara Ceramic DesignSanta Barbara1976-unknownGiftware & art ware [14]
Sascha Brastoff CeramicsLos Angeles1947–1963Tableware, art ware, & figurines [53]
Sasha Studios (Sasha Katchamakoff)Los Angeles1950sFigurines [11]
Sierra Vista Ceramics Sierra Vista, after 1951 Phoenix, Arizona 1942–1958Cookie jars & giftware [12] [14]
S-Squire CeramicsLos Angeles1943–1950Giftware & figurines [4]
Southern California Ceramic Company/California Art Products, Inc.Santa Monica/Los Angeles1945–1953"Orchard" "Hollywood Ware" tableware [14]
Southern California Clay Products (California Clay Products after 1923)Vernon1917–1923Chemical stoneware [2]
Southern California Coal and Clay Company (Pacific Sewer Pipe Company after 1910)Lake Elsinore1886–1910Sewer pipe [37]
Starnes (Walter Starnes)Los Angeles1952–1954Tableware [14]
Stewart B. McCullochunknown1940sFigurines & art ware [11]
Sunshine Ceramics of Los AngelesLos Angeles1940sGiftware [33]
Susi SingerPasadena1935–1955Figurines [11]
Sy Alan Designs Canoga Park unknownLamps [40]
Sylvan CeramicsPasadena1943-art ware [12]
Sylvia Hood DesignsPasadena1960–1965Figurines [14]
Taylor TilerySanta Monica1930–1941Tile [21]
Tony Hill-Wilmer JamesLos Angeleslate 40s-early 50sArt ware [11]
Treasure Craft – Pottery Craft Gardena and South Gate, then Compton 1955–1995Giftware, kitchenware, & figurines [54]
Triangle Studios (Vallona Starr Ceramics)Los Angeles/El Monte 1930–1953Novelty giftware, kitchenware & art ware [4]
Tropico Potteries (Gladding, McBean & Co. after 1923)Los Angeles1921–1923Tile, architectural terra cotta & sewer pipe [21]
Tudor Art Tile Company (Tudor Potteries)Los Angeles1927–1939Tile, art ware, garden ware & figurines [21]
Twin WintonPasadena, then San Juan Capistrano 1936–1975Giftware, kitchenware, & figurines [4]
Vadna of California Leucadia 1940s-1950sTableware & art ware [11]
Valentien Pottery CompanySan Diego1911–1913Art pottery [10]
Valley Vista CeramicsLos Angeles1946–1962Giftware [20]
Vally WernerLos Angeles1940sArt ware [4]
Van Straaton CompanySanta Monica1940sArt ware [38]
Vee Jackson San Gabriel then Pasadena1946–1976Giftware [11]
Vessel USA Inc. San Diego 1998–presentPlanters [55]
Victoria Ceramics San Juan Capistrano 1940sFigurines [48]
Vitrefrax CompanyLos AngelesunknownInsulators [25]
Vohann of CaliforniaLaguna Beach/Capistrano Beach/San Clemente 1950–presentArt ware & giftware [4] [56]
Wade CeramicsNorth Hollywood1965–1967Art ware & kitchenware [14]
Walker PotteriesMonrovia1945–1952Figurines [14] [57]
Walker-RenakerMonrovia1952–1959Figurines [57]
Wallace China Company Huntington Park 1931–1964Restaurant ware [4]
Walter WilsonPasadena1943–1954Giftware & figurines [14]
Weil of California (California Figurine Company prior to 1946)Los Angeles1946–1955"Weil Ware" giftware, artware, tableware & figurines [4]
West Coast Tile Company (American Encaustic Tiling Company after 1919)Vernon1914–1919Tile [10] [21]
West CoastBurbank1940s-1950sArt ware, giftware & figurines [4]
Western Art Tile Company (Tropico Potteries after 1921)Los Angeles (Tropico)early 1904-1920Tile [10]
Western Quarry TilesMonrovia1959–presentGarden ware & tile [24] [58]
Whiting-Mead CompanyLos AngelesunknownSanitary ware & garden ware [25]
Wildwood CeramicsPasadena1940s-1950sGiftware [11]
Will-George (became The Claysmiths in 1945)Pasadena1934–1945Giftware & figurines [4]
William BonziPasadena1945-1950s"Bonzi" giftware, artware & tableware [14]
William Manker CeramicsPadua Hills – Claremont1933-late 1950sArt ware & figurines [4]
Wilmer JamesLos Angeles1940sArt ware [11]
Winfield Pottery – Gabriel Porcelain PotteryPasadena1929–1962"Winfield" "Gabriel Porcelain" tableware, art ware & figurines [12]
Winifred Cole of CaliforniaVan Nuys1967-Giftware [20]
Wolper Art StudiosLos Angeles1948-unknownTableware & giftware [14]
Yerbysmith CeramicsLaguna Beach1940sArt ware [11]
YnezInglewood1940s-1950sFigurines [4]
Yona CeramicsLos Angeles1952–1957Giftware & figurines [11]

Studio pottery

Tile

Art ware and giftware

Figurines

Tableware

Footnotes

  1. Stiles, Helen E. (1941). Pottery in the United States . New York: E.P. Dutton & Co., Inc. pp.  140.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 California Heritage Museum (2003). Joseph A. Taylor (ed.). California Tile: The Golden Era 1910–1940: Acme to Handcraft. Atglen, Penn.: Schiffer Publishing LTD. ISBN   0-7643-1942-6.
  3. "A Brave New Label Figurines, Made in U.S.A.". Ceramic Industry. October 1944.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 Chipman, Jack (1999). California Pottery. Paducah, Kentucky: Collector Books. ISBN   1-57432-037-8.
  5. "Colored Pottery, California Manufacturers Lead the World in Beauty of Design and Coloring". California Magazine of Pacific Business: 16. September 1937.
  6. "Gladding, McBean LLC" . Retrieved 10 July 2011.
  7. 1 2 Gibbs, Carl (2001). Collector's Encyclopedia of Metlox Potteries: Identification and Values, Second Edition. Paducah, KY: Collector Books. ISBN   1-57432-224-9.
  8. "Pacific Clay Products" . Retrieved 10 July 2011.
  9. Nelson, Maxine F (2003). Collectible Vernon Kilns. Paducah, KY: Collector Books. ISBN   1-57432-370-9.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Trapp, Kenneth (1994). Arts and Crafts Movement in California, The: Living the Good Life. New York: Abbeville Publishing Group.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 Chipman, Jack (2005). California Pottery Scrapbook. Paducah, Kentucky: Collector Books. ISBN   1-57432-407-1.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Bray, Hazel V. (1980). The Potter's Art in California: 1885-1955. Oakland, California: The Oakland Museum Art Department.
  13. Morse, R. Neil (2006). California Pottery Company Merced. Merced, CA: Merced Historical Society. ISBN   0-9729318-4-8.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Lehner, Lois (1988). Lehner's Encyclopedia Of US Marks On Pottery, Porcelain Clay. Paducah, KY: Collector Books. ISBN   0-89145-365-2.
  15. 1 2 Mosier, Dan L., and Williams, Earle E., History of Tesla, A California Coal Mining Town, Mines Road Books, Fremont, CA, 2002.
  16. 1 2 3 Pasadena Art Museum (1968). California Design/Ten. Pasadena, CA: Pasadena Art Museum.
  17. Pasquali, Jim (1999). Sanford's Guide to Garden City Pottery: A Hidden Treasure of Northern California. Adelmore Press. ISBN   0-9633531-5-2.
  18. 1 2 "Handcraft Tiles History" . Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  19. "Hans Sumpf Closes". E-News from the Tile Heritage.
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Derwich, Jenny B. and Mary Latos (1984). Dictionary Guide to United States Pottery and Porcelain: Ninth and Twentieth Century. Franklin, Michigan: Jenstan. ISBN   0-9612624-0-0.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 California Heritage Museum (2003). Joseph A. Taylor (ed.). California Tile: The Golden Era 1910–1940: Hispano-Moresque to Woolenius. Atglen, Penn: Schiffer Publishing LTD. ISBN   0-7643-1943-4.
  22. "Panama Pottery" . Retrieved 14 July 2011.
  23. 1 2 Pasadena Art Museum (1976). California Design 76, A Bicentennial Celebration. Pasadena, CA: Pasadena Art Museum.
  24. 1 2 3 Pasadena Art Museum (1962). California Design/Eight. Pasadena, CA: Pasadena Art Museum.
  25. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Dietrich, Waldemar Fenn (1928). "The Clay Resources and the Ceramic Industry of California". California State Mining Bureau (Bulletin No. 99). Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  26. "UCLA Special Collections - Finding Aid for the Max and Rita Lawrence Architectural Pottery Records, ca. 1950-1994". OAC Online Archive of California. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  27. Chipman, Jack (2003). Barbara Willis: Classic California Modernism. JaBa Books. ISBN   0-9727430-0-6.
  28. "Bauer Pottery of Los Angeles" . Retrieved 10 July 2011.
  29. Gordon, Maddy (2007). Head Vases Etc.: The Artistry of Betty Lou Nichols. Atglen, Penn.: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. ISBN   978-0-7643-1490-2.
  30. 1 2 3 4 5 Tufft, J. Edward (August 1947). "Art Ware Pottery Gossip from Southern California". Ceramic Industry.
  31. "California Pottery and Tile Works" . Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  32. Fridley, A.W. (1977). Catalina Pottery, The Early Years 1927–1937. Costa Mesa, California: Rainbow Publishing.
  33. 1 2 3 4 Tufft, J. Edward (June 1946). "Art Ware Gossip from Southern California". Ceramic Industry.
  34. Classic Terra Cotta Company
  35. Humphries, John, Joanne Schaefer and Ralph Schaefer (1997). Delee Art: The Pictorial Story of a California Artist and Her Company. S&S Books. ISBN   0-9655422-0-3.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  36. 1 2 3 4 Tufft, J. Edward (October 1949). "Art Ware Gossip From Southern California". Ceramic Industry.
  37. 1 2 3 4 Snyder, Jeffrey B. (2000). Pacific Pottery, Tableware from the 1920s, '30s, and '40s...and more!. Atglen, Penn.: Schiffer Pub Ltd. ISBN   0-7643-1276-6.
  38. 1 2 Tufft, J. Edward (May 1947). "Art Ware Gossip from Southern California". Ceramic Industry.
  39. Kline, Barbara S., Margaret C. Wehrspaun, and Jerry Kline (2002). The Complete Book of Florence Ceramics. Atglen, Penn.: Schiffer Publishing Ltd. ISBN   0-7643-1528-5.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  40. 1 2 3 4 5 Pasadena Art Museum (1965). California Design/Nine. Pasadena, CA: Pasadena Art Museum.
  41. 1 2 3 Kelly, Nancy (2001). Hagen-Renaker through the Years. Atglen, Penn.: Schiffer+publishing Ltd. ISBN   0-7643-1385-1.
  42. 1 2 3 Tufft, J. Edward (January 1946). "Artware Pottery Gossip from Southern California". Ceramic Industry.
  43. "About H.F. Coors China". Archived from the original on 2011-09-26. Retrieved 10 July 2011.
  44. Tufft, J. Edward (June 1944). "News of the Whiteware Industry". Ceramic Industry.
  45. Dommel, Darlene Hurst (1997). Collector's Encyclopedia of Howard Pierce Porcelain: Identification and Values. Paducah, KY: Collector Books. ISBN   1-57432-019-X.
  46. Whitaker, Jim and Kaye Whitaker (1999). Josef Originals: Figurines of Muriel Joseph George. Atglen, Penn.: Schiffer Publishing LTD. ISBN   0-7643-1049-6.
  47. Nickel, Mike and Cindy Horvath (2000). Kay Finch: Ceramics. Atglen, Penn.: Schiffer Publishing Ltd. ISBN   0-7643-0008-3.
  48. 1 2 Tufft, J. Edward (October 1945). Ceramic Industry.{{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  49. Malibu Ceramic Works
  50. Torrance Press. - September 4, 1952
  51. Eidelberg, Martin (1984). Eva Zeisel Designer for Industry. Musee Des Arts Decoratifs De Montreal. pp. 44–45. ISBN   0-226-19473-6.
  52. "Robert Maxwell Pottery" . Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  53. Conti, Steve, A. Dewayne Bethany, Bill Seay (1995). Collector's Encyclopedia of Sascha Brastoff: Identification & Values. Paducah, KY: Collector Books. ISBN   0-89145-647-3.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  54. Higby, George A. (2004). Treasure Craft & Pottery Craft Stoneware: California & Hawaii's Last Major Pottery. Atglen, Penn.: Schiffer Publishing LTD. ISBN   0-7643-2072-6.
  55. "Architectural Pottery Vessel USA" . Retrieved 10 July 2011.
  56. "Vohann of California". Archived from the original on 10 July 2011. Retrieved 10 July 2011.
  57. 1 2 Roller, Gayle, Kathleen Rose, Joan Berkwitz (1989). The Hagen-Renaker Handbook.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  58. "Western Quarry Tiles". Archived from the original on 2011-02-25. Retrieved 15 July 2011.

Further reading

Related Research Articles

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Earthenware is glazed or unglazed nonvitreous pottery that has normally been fired below 1,200 °C (2,190 °F). Basic earthenware, often called terracotta, absorbs liquids such as water. However, earthenware can be made impervious to liquids by coating it with a ceramic glaze, and such a process is used for the great majority of modern domestic earthenware. The main other important types of pottery are porcelain, bone china, and stoneware, all fired at high enough temperatures to vitrify. End applications include tableware and decorative ware such as figurines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Studio pottery</span> Modern hand-made artistic pottery

Studio pottery is pottery made by professional and amateur artists or artisans working alone or in small groups, making unique items or short runs. Typically, all stages of manufacture are carried out by the artists themselves. Studio pottery includes functional wares such as tableware and cookware, and non-functional wares such as sculpture, with vases and bowls covering the middle ground, often being used only for display. Studio potters can be referred to as ceramic artists, ceramists, ceramicists or as an artist who uses clay as a medium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Doulton</span> British ceramics manufacturing company

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metlox Pottery</span>

Metlox Pottery, strictly speaking Metlox Manufacturing Company, was a manufacturer of ceramic housewares, located at 1200 Morningside Drive, Manhattan Beach, California, US. The pottery factory closed in 1989.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carl Romanelli</span>

Carl Romanelli is an American sculptor noted for his many outdoor sculptures of famous people. Romanelli was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He is a seventh-generation sculptor, and his family is so well known in Italy that a museum there is dedicated to his family's sculptural works.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edith Heath</span>

Edith Kiertzner Heath was an American studio potter and founder of Heath Ceramics. The company, well known for its mid-century modern ceramic tableware, including "Heathware," and architectural tiles, is still operating in Sausalito, California, after being founded in 1948.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Copenhagen</span> Danish manufacturer of porcelain products

Royal Copenhagen, officially the Royal Porcelain Factory, is a Danish manufacturer of porcelain products and was founded in Copenhagen in 1775 under the protection of Danish Dowager Queen Juliane Marie. It is recognized by its factory mark, the three wavy lines above each other, symbolizing Denmark's three straits: Storebælt, Lillebælt and Øresund.

The Fiesta Tableware Company is a ceramics manufacturer located in Newell, West Virginia, United States. Established in 1871, it is widely known for its Art Deco glazed dinnerware line, Fiesta. In 2002, The New York Times called Fiesta "the most collected brand of china in the United States".

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bing & Grøndahl</span> Danish porcelain manufacturer

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Franciscan Ceramics</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vernon Kilns</span> American ceramic company

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ceramic art</span> Decorative objects made from clay and other raw materials by the process of pottery

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brayton Laguna Pottery</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mary K. Grant</span> American ceramic designer

Mary K. Grant, was an American industrial designer. Grant is known for her ceramic designs for Franciscan Ceramics manufactured by Gladding, McBean & Co. Grant designed several fine china and earthenware shapes for Gladding, McBean. Grant designed the American Franciscan dinnerware shapes for Desert Rose, Apple, and Ivy. Grant's Franciscan fine china shape Encanto was chosen by the Metropolitan Museum of Art for good design in 1951.