Blue Mountain Pottery – A Canadian Classic

Famous Company was Based in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada

Aug 31, 2009

Blue Mountain Pottery was in business from 1947 to 2004 and created many unique and one of a kind decorative sculptures.

Blue Mountain Pottery was founded in 1947 by Jozo Wiedler and quickly became Canada’s largest manufacturer of quality giftware pottery. Named after the area in Collingwood, Ontario where it was manufactured, the company created pieces from the red-brown clay that was found along the shores of Georgian Bay.

The company’s last owner, Bob Blair, came to Collingwood in 1971 to work at the pottery plant as general manager, and became a part owner in 1980. In 1986 he became the sole owner taking over all of its operations. Unfortunately he made the difficult decision to close the business at the end of 2004. Mr. Blair blamed increased competition from Asia and shrinking demand for product for the company's demise. He also pointed to unstable tourism markets in the wake of SARS and the Iraq war as key factors in the decision.

Characteristics of Blue Mountain Pottery

According to an article written by Judy Penz Sheluk “The first studio was located inside a converted barn at the base of the Blue Mountain, and it was there a vintage washing machine was used to mix the clay, which was cured for 12 hours before application of the glaze.”

Blue Mountain Pottery items feature a unique, trademarked glazing process known as "reflowing decorating." Two different liquid glazes, one light and one dark in color, were applied by hand. During the firing process the light glaze would run as it passed through the darker glaze, creating streaking patterns unique to each piece. No two pieces were alike, helping to make these pieces of pottery more desirable.

The most popular color of Blue Mountain Pottery has always been the green toned items, but over the years, particularly during the 1960's, other colors were introduced such as Harvest Gold, Mocha, Cobalt Blue, Pewter, Red, Brown, etc. The product line also expanded over the years from decorative vases, bowls and animal figures to include more practical pieces such as kitchen canisters and serving items to complete tea and coffee sets. They also manufactured some innovative native designs.

Collecting Blue Mountain Pottery

Blue Mountain pottery was very popular during its heyday, and was sold throughout Canada and exported all over the world. As a result it’s not exactly rare. That said, as time goes on it will become more difficult to find pieces in perfect condition.

Because of the interest in the pieces, authenticity has become an issue. Some pieces from competing manufacturers have been misrepresented in online auctions, and knockoffs abound.

Identifying and dating Blue Mountain Pottery isn't an exact science. All pieces that had a closed base had one of a variety of Blue Mountain Pottery marks. Items that had no base, including most of the bird and animal items, were sold with stickers or tags. Most are long gone, but check out this site for some examples. A trained eye can always identify the quality workmanship, the special glazing and the specific molds of Blue Mountain Pottery. Anyone who is unsure about whether or not a piece is authentic would be wise to consult one of the collector’s groups, such as the Blue Mountain Pottery Collectors Club, or forums for a little help.

The copyright of the article Blue Mountain Pottery – A Canadian Classic in Collecting Ceramics/Glass is owned by Lauren Flanagan. Permission to republish Blue Mountain Pottery – A Canadian Classic in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.