Harry Bird
QwkDog 3D Vernon Kilns Harry Bird Flowers Hutch

The artist and potter William “Harry” Bird designed for Vernon Kilns and Bauer in the mid- to late-1930s. Little is known about Bird – there are rumors that he rented space in Vernon’s plant; there is no indication that he was an employee of the company and may have produced his work under contract or self-distributed. All of Harry Bird’s designs were produced on Vernon’s “Montecito” shape (Early California and others). Bird may have been the first to leverage the in-glazing technique of decorating, also used by Pacific Pottery on their decorated ware starting around 1935.

Bird produced dozens of different patterns and designs, all of which are highly valued by collectors today. Here are a few of the most prominent design series.

Vernon Kilns Harry Bird
Vernon Kilns Harry Bird Logo
QwkDog 3D Vernon Kilns Harry Bird Desert Mallow
Flower Series

Harry Bird produced 31 different designs for his popular Flower Series.

Flower Series
QwkDog 3D Vernon Kilns Harry Bird Tropical Fish Teapot
Fish Series

Bird’s Tropical Fish designs are some of the most sought after patterns.

Fish Series
QwkDog 3D Vernon Kilns Harry Bird Polychrome A
Spectrum Series

Bird created a wide variety of colorful geometric patterns in the Spectrum Series.

Spectrum Series
QwkDog Vernon Kilns Harry Pottery Olinala Tumblers
Olinala Ware

According to Vernon Kiln’s advertising, Olinala ware was commissioned by the famous actress Dolores Del Rio. Even if just a marketing stunt, Bird’s beautiful Olinala-Aztec and Montezuma-Aztec patterns set a romantic Mexican-influenced table.

Olinala Ware
Harry Bird Logo Design

Show your Harry Bird spirit with this logo design available in my Society6 shop! Available on a wide variety of items, including t-shirts, mugs and clocks.

Vernon Kilns Bird Logo
Vernon Kilns Bird Logo Tee
Vernon Kilns Bird Logo Mug