Heath Ceramics

Place setting with Heath products

Heath Ceramics is a manufacturer of artisan pottery including tableware, bowls, tile, mugs and vases in California. Heath Ceramics was founded in 1948 in Sausalito, California by Edith Heath (1911–2005) after her work was stocked by the Gump's store in San Francisco. The company has a production factory and store in Sausalito, a tile production factory and store in San Francisco, and a ceramics studio and store in Los Angeles, California.

Heath Ceramics is owned by Robin Petravic and Catherine Bailey,[1] and is known for its distinctive glazes[2] and handcrafted stoneware.[3] Bailey, who purchased the company in 2004, described Heath's wares as maintaining a tradition of utility and beauty that is "true to the materials."[4] Innovative Alice Waters, founder and chef of the renowned Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California, uses dinnerware produced by Heath Ceramics in the restaurant.[4]

Factory and store in San Francisco

Heath Ceramics has begun collaborating with other artists and designers. Heath has partnered with potter Adam Silverman to direct its on-site studio in Los Angeles.[2] The designer Christina Kim collaborated with Heath Ceramics in a project "to translate the ethereal spirit of her 'Phases of the Moon' fashion collection into ceramics." in 2005[3] The Los Angeles Heath store carries the company's dinnerware, serving pieces, and vases, as well as original pieces in ceramic and other media including hand-blown glass and textiles.[2] The store also hosts shows by other ceramic artists.[5] The store hosted a community event, in 2009, with Charles Phoenix, the retro-historian vintage slide collector, and local history entertainer.[6]

Heath Ceramics has taken measures to minimize its environmental impact during production including firing its clay at lower temperatures, reusing clay scraps, and recycling water, and in transportation by using paper instead of styrofoam as the packing material.[7]

The courtyard behind Heath Ceramics Los Angeles store

References

  1. ↑ Taggart, Lisa Cottage comeback: the young owners of Heath Ceramics bring a fresh approach to tradition in their update of a classic 19th-century home April 01, 2007 Sunset
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Ann Cusack Heath Ceramics in L.A. December 1, 2008 Los Angeles Times
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lisa Boone Teacups that capture moon's every mood; Fashion designer teams with Heath Ceramics for a collection that plays off light and dark. Artisans Home Edition Ceramics June 9, 2005 Los Angeles Times page F.6
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Don Sanchez Heath Ceramics Celebrates 60 Years December 19, 2006 ABC7 News San Francisco
  5. ↑ Julie Wolfson Master Japanese Potter Akio Nukaga at Heath Ceramics Today September 12, 2009 LAist
  6. ↑ Lisa Boone Charles Phoenix patio party at Heath Ceramics L.A. at Home Design, Architecture, Gardens, Southern California Living August 19, 2009 LA Times
  7. ↑ Susan Fornoff Heath Ceramics sends foam peanuts packing December 8, 2007 San Francisco Chronicle

External links