Liz S.
Yelp
"The story of Edith Heath is the story of American Modernism" - from "Heath Ceramics, the Story of Simplicity" by Amos Klausner
For over 50 years, Heath Ceramics has been making beautiful tableware and tile in its Sausalito factory, using the same methods started by its founder Edith Heath when she converted her at-home studio operation into a space that was big enough to produce commercial product.
The style is mid-century modern, very minimal, very Bauhaus, and is as relevant today as it was when she received her first order from Gump's in 1944 after they saw her show at the Legion of Honor. Years of focusing on producing beautiful wares has resulted in the achievement of many different colors and glazes.
Along with being part of the permanent collection at MOMA, you can find Heath tableware at stores such as Friend, The Gardener, and Barney's New York. You may have eaten off of her plates at either Chez Panisse or the Slanted Door, who have commissioned their own unique designs from Heath. Her tiles are a staple product at Ann Sachs stores.
And right in our own backyard is the original factory, which still makes every single product sold, under the careful watch of their trained experts. While Edith Heath died about year ago, the company was bought in 2003 by Catherine Bailey and Robin Petravic, who are dedicated to the original vision of the company and determined to preserve its artistry, aesthetic and craftsmanship. That means keeping the factory in operation as is and not saving costs by moving production overseas.
The prices of these ceramics reflect what it takes to maintain this integrity. Because they use top materials, do many of the manufacturing steps by hand, treat their employees fairly, and custom make every order, this means that you are not going to pay the same prices as at Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel. But when you see the simplistic beauty and quality of the pieces, it is easy to tell the difference between this product and mass produced items from overseas. They have a weight and a patina that begs you to touch them, and the colors are gorgeous.
Luckily for us, we can go visit the factory store 7 days a week. There you will find 2nds and overstocks at reduced prices, including pieces from the Chez Panisse and Slanted Door designs.
In addition to the ceramics, they a small selection of things like Lotta Jansdotter aprons, Miette cookies, Rechutti chocolates, Pancake and Franks letterpress cards, Chez Panisse cookbooks, and the recent "Heath Ceramics" book by Amos Klausner.
On Saturdays and Sundays at 11, you can also take a free factory tour.
If you are interested, keep your eyes open for their Open Studio days. Right now, May 5-6, they are having Open Studios, which includes:
- hourly factory tours with a chance to do your own hand-glazed tile at the end (I took one yesterday and it was fascinating)
- 15% off everything in the factory store, including dinnerwear, tile, home, and one of a kind samples.
- BBQ and live music to enhance your visit
The factory tour is excellent, and a rare treat to see the original machinery from the 50's and 60's, as well as their well-trained employees executing their craft.
They also have a wedding registry available. Pieces make a beautiful gift for someone or for yourself. I have several pieces, and I am saving my pennies to buy a set of dishes that I know will give me pleasure every day, and last a lifetime. Plus, I am proud to support a local company who still believes in the beauty of hand-crafted design. We try to eat locally grown food - why not take it one step further and eat on locally made tableware?
Go and check out this local treasure.