Categories
San Francisco

heath ceramics factory tour—round two

On Friday, my mom and I visited the Heath Ceramics factory and shop. A few months ago,  Jordan and I took the tour of the factory and it was fascinating. I blogged about when I first fell in love with Heath Ceramics here. I thought my mom would enjoy the tour and so we went back. I decided to take more pictures this time.

For those of you who missed my first post, this is a bit about Heath Ceramics—Heath Ceramics was founded in 1948 in Sausalito, CA by Edith Heath. She was a feisty lady who knew her mind. She built her ceramic factory on the values of quality and sustainability, using local materials as much as possible and paying the real cost of labor always. Basically, she wanted to make simple, good things for good people. And so she did for the next 50 years. In 2003, husband and wife team, Robin Petravic and Catherine Bailey purchased Heath Ceramics with a mission to revitalize the company, which was in a bit of a tough spot. By placing a strong emphasis on design, handcrafted techniques, and the reinvigoration of the company’s designer-maker legacy, Robin and Catherine have persevered. Today, Heath Ceramics is one of the few remaining American potteries still in existence and Edith’s values are still going strong. Every piece they sell is made in their Sausalito factory by a team of 60 craftsmen, and every piece is truly a work of art.

 

In early 2012,  Heath will expand their operation and open a tile factory in San Francisco, just a few miles from Jordan and I. It is absolutely wonderful to see a business who does things right in every sense of the word succeeding in this tough economy. And now for some photos …

Slip casting. Vases, mugs, teapots and other complex shapes are made this way.

Plaster molds and a lathe are used to create most of the dinnerware.

Each piece is then hand trimmed and sponged smooth.

Every piece dries in a 120 degree room for 24 – 48 hours to remove all the moisture from the clay so it doesn’t explode in the kiln.

Then the pieces are glazed. Aren’t the names of the glazes something! They make them all from scratch at Heath.

The pieces are then fired in a kiln for several hours. These are their holiday colors. So festive!

Gorgeous tile samples.

Tiles made by Edith after a visit to the Southwest.

The teapot is the most complex design they make at Heath.

The adorable designs on these dinner plates are hand etched.

And, I’ve got to say, coffee out of one of these mugs just tastes better.

If you’re interested in visiting Heath Ceramics, or just picking up a few wonderful handcrafted gifts for the upcoming holiday, visit their site for more information.

-Emily

Categories
San Francisco

heath ceramics factory tour

This post will deviate slightly from the butter and pork theme that dominates our blog, but don’t worry folks, it’s only temporary.  Plus, the departure is justified because Heath Ceramics is such an amazing place and because they primarily produce dishware. (Food blog + artisanal dishware = peas in a pod, right?). Okay, here is the story.

Heath Ceramics was founded in 1948 in Sausalito, CA by Edith Heath. She was a feisty lady who knew her mind. She built her ceramic factory on the values of quality and sustainability, using local materials as much as possible and paying the real cost of labor always. Basically, she wanted to make simple, good things for good people. And so she did for the next 50 years. In 2003, husband and wife team, Robin Petravic and Catherine Bailey purchased Heath Ceramics with a mission to revitalize the company. By placing a strong emphasis on design, handcrafted techniques, and the reinvigoration of the company’s designer-maker legacy, Robin and Catherine have preserved and perpetuated the Edith’s values. Today, Heath Ceramics is one of the few remaining American potteries still in existence. Every piece they sell is made in their Sausalito factory by a team of 60 craftsmen and every piece is truly a work of art.

Last Friday, I took off work and Jordan and I went on the factory tour. We got to see first hand every step of the process and learn about the company’s history. It was incredible! I was so impressed by the time and attention put into each piece. The techniques were fascinating (I had zero idea how to make a stoneware platter from scratch) and the staff eager to share how they produce what they produce. It was evident how proud everyone was of their product, but even evident how proud they are of their process. It was truly unique experience and I loved every moment.

* this image courtesy Heath Ceramics

At the Sausalito store, they sell factory seconds – pieces that didn’t quite make the quality standards primarily due to aesthetic reasons (bubbled glaze, little nicks) – for 30% off. We purchased a few beautiful pieces, including the serving bowl pictured up top, a little milk pitcher, and two tiles to use as trivets or spoon rests. I’ll just show them off here …

*I think the little split makes this little guy even cuter!

I am kicking myself for not taking more photos while in the factory. It is a beautiful place and the processes are amazing and artisanal and unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

If you want to go on a tour (do it!), give them a call or click here for more information. And, remember to bring your camera!

-Emily