Pacific launched their iconic Hostessware dinnerware line in 1932. In its ten-year run, Pacific produced almost 200 pieces in a wide variety of bright, cheerful colors. Learn more about Hostessware and explore one of the most comprehensive collections in the world.
The creative talent at Pacific Clay added flair to Hostessware with the 1934 launch of their decorated ware. Pacific produced over 50 different in-glazed designs, many one-of-a-kind, in the few years that the patterns were in production. Delve into this comprehensive pattern guide with close to 200 examples.
Informal is a complete as-we-know it guide to Pacific Pottery and their iconic Hostessware dinnerware line. Meticulously researched, Informal is an illustrated guide to all of the known Hostessware pieces — including decorated lines — with visuals, designs, and photographs. The book is available through the online publishing company Blurb.
Bauer Pottery was founded by John Andrew (J.A.) Bauer in the late 1800s in Paducah, Kentucky. Seeing opportunity in California, he moved the company to the Lincoln Heights district in Los Angeles in 1910 and produced a range of stoneware, kitchenware and gardenware. Their production facility was located at 415-421 West Avenue 33, just a few blocks away from Pacific Clay Products‘ plant #4. The company marketed their first solid-color dinnerware, a plainware line called “California Colored Pottery” in 1930.
Image: “Window Gazing,” ©2021 QwkDog Design
The artist and potter William “Harry” Bird designed for Vernon Kilns and Bauer in the mid- to late-1930s. Bird pioneered the in-glazing technique of decorating, also used by Pacific Pottery on their decorated ware starting around 1935. All of Harry Bird’s designs were produced on Vernon’s “Montecito” shape (used in Early California and lines). In the few short years he worked at Vernon, he produced dozens of patterns including an expansive “Flower” series with close to 30 different designs.
Harry Bird for Vernon Kilns, “Desert Mallow,” more on the Flower series
Harry Bird for Vernon Kilns, “Tropical Fish,” more on the Fish series
Harry Bird for Vernon Kilns, “B-300,” more on the Spectrum series
This native-inspired fabric was found on a 1950s Heywood Wakefield Ashcraft sofa set. Using the source images, I reproduced the...
Fabric and print designs from my Skeleton Fish series created around 2018.
Heywood Wakefield dresser from the Rio line purchased in Bangor, Maine, September 2024. This dresser came with a Heywood mirror,...
Heywood Wakefield is hard to find in downeast Maine and small tables are even more challenging to locate. I ordered...
Spanning a wide range of design topics, here’s the latest from The Maximalist on Colorware History & Design.
The QwkDog portfolio is full of fantastic designs, illustrations, and patterns inspired by some of the best designers and artists of the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. Check it out!
