Style: Mid-Century Pottery that Pleases 21st Century Sensibilities

I’ll be the first to recognize that my sister and I are serious pottery junkies, a direct inheritance from our mother. We'll stop at nothing to find a new ETSY artisan or search out a piece from one of the great mission masters like Pewabic, Roseville, and Van Briggle. However, in a world where you can buy throw-away serving pieces that fly off an Ikea assembly line for next-to-nothing prices, it’s sometimes hard to discover the modern-day ceramists who still take pride in their work and wares.

On a recent trip to San Francisco, we took advantage of a variety of dining experiences; however, each of these diverse restaurants had something in common—their table tops were adorned with Heath Ceramics’ dinnerware (.Fish, Hog Island Oyster Co., Greens). This was the same pottery that I had deeply fallen in love with when my dear friend gave me a couple of pieces as a housewarming gift and that I now happily showcase in my ever-growing pottery collection. When I found out that Heath’s home and Factory Store was right across the Golden Gate Bridge in minutes-away Sausalito, I had to carve out some time for a visit.

Founded by Edith Heath in 1948, Heath Ceramics is one of the last mid-century pottery-houses still in existence. They continue to offer strong looking pieces, often laced with rich colors like onyx, sage, and French gray. Heath ceramists' design the kind of wares that are pragmatically long-lasting and timeless in design. You can dress it up or dress it down—it can contribute to a sleek modern table or play against a traditionalist setting. In addition, their dishware is oven-proof, dishwasher and microwave safe, and oh-so-kid-friendly. No wonder all the local restaurateurs are in love with Heath—it’s hard to keep your eyes and forks off of these resilient beauties! Details: www.heathceramics.com, 400 Gate Five Rd., Sausalito, 415.332.3732.

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