Harry Bird

Harry Bird for Vernon Kilns

The artist and potter William “Harry” Bird designed several bespoke patterns for Vernon Kilns 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.

Olinala- and Montezuma-Aztec Patterns

According to this advertising piece, the actress Dolores Del Rio commissioned a set of dinnerware from Harry Bird and Vernon Kilns based on traditional Mexican pottery designs.  Vernon Kilns offered it to the public as Olinala-Aztec (with rings) and Montezuma-Aztec (no rings). The pottery was available in four colors: blue, green, yellow (orange), and rose on a light beige background. As with most of Harry Bird’s designs, these patterns are hard to come by.

Olinala-Aztec Examples & Backstamp

Harry Bird Patterns

• Aztec: Montezuma-Aztec, Olinala-Aztec
• Banded Flower (BB, BP, BY and BG designated patterns; first letter is for Bird, second is for color, number indicates flower pattern)
• Bird Series (Scarlet Tanager, Parrots, Blue Birds, Bird Ring)
• Blooming Cactus
• Duo-tone (unless noted, with matte glazes):
  • Beige (single color)
  • Bridal Satin (ivory color)
  • Pomegranate
  • Evening Star (blue and ivory)
  • Golden Maple (burnt orange and ivory)
  • Avocado (green and ivory)
  • After Glow (yellow and ivory)
  • Tangerine (orange-red and ivory)
• Flower series
  • Begonia
  • Bird’s Eye
  • Cassia
  • Checker Bloom
  • Chinese Lantern
  • Columbine
  • Desert Mallow
  • Desert Poppy
  • Eucalyptus
  • Fiddleneck
  • Geranium
  • Golden Brodiaea
  • Guatomote
  • Incienso
  • Iris
  • Lady Slipper
  • Larkspur
  • Lily Blue
  • Lily Orange
  • Lion’s Tail
  • Lupin
  • Mariposa Tulip
  • Morning Glory
  • Nasturtium
  • Petunia
  • Phacelia
  • Trumpet Flower
  • Water Lily
  • Wild Pink
• Nautical
  • Anchor, Flags, Lantern, Life Saver, Sextant, Square Knot, Wheel
• Spectrum (geometric designs)
  • B-30X, Vert, Jaune, Multi-Flori California, Polychrome A-E
• Tahiti A-C
• Tropical Fish
  • Fantail