Designing Locally
One of America's oldest Mid-Century potteries sits right here in our own backyard
Founded by Edith Heath in 1948, Heath Ceramics remains one of the few mid-century American potteries still in operation today. In 2003, husband-and-wife team, Robin Petravic and Catherine Bailey, purchased the stagnant tableware and tile-company with a mission to restore Heath’s legacy. Every piece, down to each tiny teacup, is still designed and produced in the original factory in Sausalito, which was built in 1959.
“We saw that Heath was still being made in Sausalito, and as designers, we were inspired by the idea that we could design and manufacture under the same roof,” says Bailey. “We loved the utilitarian nature and simple beauty of Edith's designs.”
Heath Ceramics has been growing steadily since Petravic and Bailey took the reins. The couple has stayed true to the handcrafted techniques synonymous with the Heath brand, while introducing new ideas and designers and collaborating with artists to create collections for high-profile clients, such as Chez Panisse, Barneys New York and Four Seasons Hotels.
“I love connecting with others who share our vision,” says Petravic. “From House Industries, who we’re collaborating with on ceramic house numbers, to a struggling glass factory in West Virginia working with us on a new line of glassware,” says Petravic. “These collaborations keep our work interesting and enable us to generate new, interesting designs.”
In addition to the original Sausalito factory and store, the company now operates a custom design studio and retail store in Los Angeles, which opened in 2008, as well as a six-month-old store in San Francisco’s Ferry Building and an extensive e-commerce business.
“We believe the culture of crafting and manufacturing useful, beautiful things locally is important to our community and economy,” says Bailey. “It’s important to understand where things come from, how they’re made and what sort of impact they make. Tying that together with great design and manufacturing all under one roof can yield a successful company today just as it did 60 years ago.”
Edith Heath implemented many of the techniques still used today to create their award-winning tableware and interior tile. As solid as their craftsmanship and attention to detail is the passion held by many of Heath’s employees, many of whom have been with the company for more than 20 years.
“The team relationship is strong,” says Ali Shaukat, a glaze technician, kiln fireman and 30-year employee of the company. “Heath Ceramics has changed a lot. Our process has been updated from its old-fashioned ways, and production has progressed and developed with the reintroduction of old Heath designs, as well as new designs.”
The new tableware collection for winter 2010 combines classic design with subtle linear graphics. Using bold red as the base, pieces are accented by touches of icy gray and white. The end result is warm, sophisticated and timeless, which seems to be in perfect alignment with the company’s image.
“We’ve been exploring new techniques in glazing — we’re fascinated by the interactions of overlapping glazes,” said Petravic. “I always like to explore the beautiful warmth of red for winter and holiday seasons.”
If you find yourself in Marin one weekend, reserve a spot on their historic factory tour for an up-close look at the skilled craftspeople making clay and operating the kilns. Think of it as a first-hand glimpse of (even more) Heath history in the making.
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