Southern California’s natural clay deposits, inexpensive fuel sources and growing sphere of influence during the twentieth century made it a national leader in ceramics production. While the term California Pottery can refer to a broad range of utilitarian objects ranging from roof tiles to plumbing pipes, it’s the brightly colored housewares produced from the 1930s into the 1960s that usually come to mind. Beginning in the early 1900’s, companies like Vernon Kilns, Bauer, Metlox, Pacific Clay Products, and Gladding, McBean & Co began to spring up across the Los Angeles Basin. Through clever marketing and an influx of cheap labor, the Great Depression turned out to a boon to the ceramics industry. Bold color schemes became the hallmark of wares from sunny Southern California. One of the most famous and longest-lasting makers, Bauer Pottery began producing affordable kitchen and serving ware in bright and cheery colors in the 1930s. The trend was so popular it was copied by larger established brands such as Homer Laughlin’s Fiesta Ware.

World War II brought a significant change to the global supply chain of all kinds of ceramics. Art pottery from Germany, dinnerware from England and exotic imports from Japan all became unavailable to american consumers. The domestic production of everyday items was considered essential and potteries across the United States were enlisted to produce items for the military and the home market. The quickly produced, affordable and vibrant ceramics from Southern California became especially beloved during the war years.

After the war, there was another surge of creative energy from California. Art potters, influenced by ceramics they’d seen over seas began flocking to the Golden State. By this time, electric and gas kilns had become practical enough to setup at home in one of LA’s sprawling suburbs. Individuals and families were able to produce thousands of bowls, plates and planters to supply the voracious appetites of the Baby Boom era and to fill the newly constructed houses across the country. Names like Frank Moreno and Eugene White began to compete with Midwest and Eastern potteries. As the popularity of the laid-back lifestyle of California began to spread, the interest in the brightly colored ceramics so closely associated with it became symbols of mid-century America.