When was Blue Ridge Southern pottery?

We found Peggy first – this quaint dessert dish with a single pink flower. We thought it was special because of its simplicity but didn’t know it was a Blue Ridge Southern Potteries’ pattern until much later. In fact, we had never heard of Blue Ridge pottery!

Now we understand why folks love to collect these quaint patterns. The history behind this unique style of dishware is a great American story about a once thriving pottery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Tennessee.  Although our current inventory of Blue Ridge is limited, our appreciation at Southern Vintage Table for this American-made china is growing!

The story begins in the early 1900s when a railroad company sold a large parcel of land along their railroad line in Erwin, Tennessee to a group of investors. There were rich deposits of kaolinite and feldspar nearby, perfect ingredients for a pottery business. According to Wikipedia, in 1916 Clinchfield Potteries opened their doors for business, manufacturing the typical china style of the times which were described as “gold-trimmed, decal-decorated dishes”.

When was Blue Ridge Southern pottery?

In the 1920s the business was sold and became known as Southern Potteries. To set his style of china apart from his competitors, the new owner introduced a hand painted, underglaze technique. The bold, new patterns, painted by the local women, were stamped with the new label, Blue Ridge, sometime during the 1930s.

Young ladies, some as young as fifteen, came down from the mountains to be trained as painters at the pottery. Men were taught how to mold the shapes and do the firing. Some of the young ladies were so talented that they were allowed to paint what are called Artists Signed Plates. These are rare, but wonderful to own. Others were content being part of a team who sat in hard chairs around a table and painted for many hours each day. One might paint a flower on the bisque plate while another would add a stem and leaves. A third might paint an edge around the plate and so on until the plate was finished and put in the stack to be fired and glazed.  (blueridgechina.com)

Bright colors and big designs are hallmarks of Blue Ridge patterns. Here are four dinner plate patterns in our inventory at Southern Venture Table.

When was Blue Ridge Southern pottery?
This pattern is called Stanhome Ivy.  It was a pattern made in 1947 for Stanley Home Products and given as a gift to the hostess when she held a party featuring their wares. Avon cosmetics and Quaker Oats also gave Blue Ridge china to salespeople and consumers to boost sales of their own products.

When was Blue Ridge Southern pottery?

The big bold flower patterns are our favorite designs, especially the yellow ones. These vintage dessert plates are simply charming!

When was Blue Ridge Southern pottery?

When was Blue Ridge Southern pottery?

When was Blue Ridge Southern pottery?

When was Blue Ridge Southern pottery?

Due to a shortage of imports during WWII, business boomed for Southern Potteries. After the war ended, however, cheaper china imports returned to the American market and plastic dinnerware hit the stores. The competition was tough on Southern Potteries and their business dramatically fell. After designing over 4000 different patterns, Southern Potteries finally closed its doors in 1957 and, according to Blue Ridge-SPI,  “the magic was gone.”  I love that quote.

When was Blue Ridge Southern pottery?

These vintage American-made hand painted patterns are available at Southern Vintage Table in limited amounts but we are actively looking to add to our collection!  As we admire these hand painted beauties, we have a vision of women, brushes in hand, artfully painting and sharing a little of themselves with every stroke of their brush. Invite Southern Vintage Table to share some vintage magic with your guests at your next event!

Thelma is an award winning writer who enjoys writing on a variety of topics. She is a long-time collector of Blue Ridge pottery.

When was Blue Ridge Southern pottery?

"June Bouquet" is one of many patterns of Blue Ridge dishes

These Vintage Dishes Are a Very Desirable Collectible

Nostalgia and charm are two reasons collectors scour flea markets and yard sales for pieces of folk art known as Blue Ridge pottery. The plates and dishes made from the 1930s to 1950s by Blue Ridge Southern Potteries in southern Appalachia, feature bright colors and whimsical designs. Manufactured during the dreary days of the Great Depression and World War II, they quickly became popular with homemakers as a way to bring a little cheerfulness into their homes. They are a very desirable collectible today and are in high demand.

When was Blue Ridge Southern pottery?

This cheerful dish is an example of the Sunflower pattern.

History of Blue Ridge Pottery Dishes

Blue Ridge Southern Pottery began making their popular line of Blue Ridge dishes in 1938 in Erwin, Tennessee, an economically depressed area of Appalachia. Most dishes during that time period were made with dull, lifeless decals for decoration. The use of a method of hand painting the dishes before the final glaze was fired, resulted in vibrant colors, which made the designs come alive. Women were recruited from "up in the hills" who had no artistic training to learn the basic folk painting strokes used in creating these works of art. Using broken pieces of china for practicing, they soon acquired the speed and skill needed to produce the pieces. The technique gave the dishes a happy and less formal appearance that was very endearing to customers.

Working in a group of 4 to 6 women, one person would paint stems, another would add the leaves, while others were adding petals and additional details. The patterns and jobs were changed frequently to prevent the work from becoming too monotonous for the painters.

Sales of the dishes flourished during the 1940's, especially during the years of WWII when imports were restricted. Much needed jobs were created by the plant as they employed as many as 500 painters who were earning an average pay rate of 13 1/2 cents an hour. They were turning out an amazing 324,000 pieces each week.

At that time, Blue Ridge Southern Pottery was the largest hand-painted china producer in the United States. They had 11 showrooms throughout the country, including one on New York's Fifth Avenue. The dishes became a popular premium item offered by companies such as Quaker Oats and Avon. Stanley Home Products had their own Blue Ridge Pottery pattern called "Stanhome" which was offered as an incentive to purchasers of their home products. Major catalog retailers such as Sears & Roebuck and Montgomery Ward carried the Blue Ridge dishes in their mail-order selections. Grocery store chains offered them as a reward program gift to their faithful customers.

Closing of the Pottery in 1957

After the war, trade with Japan was reopened, and imports came flooding into the US. Most American potteries could not compete with the lower-priced imports and the increased labor costs associated with production. Another astonishing factor which led to decreased demand was the introduction during the 1950s of "unbreakable" plastic dishes. Sadly, Blue Ridge Southern Pottery closed its doors in 1957 and discontinued production of the beautiful and loved dishes. Fortunately, they were able to pay their debts and stockholders and avoided filing bankruptcy.

When was Blue Ridge Southern pottery?

Blue Ridge Pottery Pattern Fruit Punch

Appealing but Sometimes Confusing to Antique Dish Collectors

Collecting these beautiful and colorful antique dishes is appealing to collectors, however, sometimes the hunt can be confusing. It is believed that there are between 4,000 and 5,000 different dish patterns. However, most of the design records have been lost or destroyed over the years. Add to that the fact that Southern Potteries didn't name the patterns because they operated basically on a numbering system. Most of the patterns were named by the collectors. Therefore, you might have a description in a reference guide that refers to a dish pattern by one name and then find the same design in another source listed with a different name. The most complete and accurate book, which I use frequently, is A Blue Ridge Primer, for Collectors Old and New.

Surprisingly, the fact that the vintage dishes were painted by hand added to the confusion. Painters sometimes added a flower, eliminated a piece of fruit, painted on extra leaves, or made other alterations either by accident or intentionally. No two pieces were ever 100% alike. Collectors admit this sometimes prevents them from identifying a particular pattern, but it is all part of the charm of Blue Ridge pottery compared to other dishes.

My favorite pattern is known as "Mirror Image." When I set the table with my collection, I can't help but wonder about the hands that painted the beautiful red flowers. These ladies from the hills of Appalachia spent their days visiting with each other while they busily painted dishes that would become a part of history. If I listen closely, I can hear the clatter of the dishes and the laughter of the folk artists.

Collectors Club Sponsors Annual Event

The Erwin National Blue Ridge Pottery Club is headquartered in Erwin, Tennessee. They sponsor an annual show each October for collectors to buy, sell or get appraisals for their Blue Ridge pieces.

The Blue Ridge Collectors Club hosts a show and sale the same weekend, also in Erwin. There are opportunities for you to win door prizes and purchase Blue Ridge at bargain prices. There are many beautiful displays that feature a variety of patterns.

Brochure for Show and Sale

When was Blue Ridge Southern pottery?

Display at Blue Ridge Collectors Club Show and Sale

When was Blue Ridge Southern pottery?

How do you rate the products of Blue Ridge Pottery?

Which Is Your Favorite Blue Ridge Pottery Pattern?

If you are a collector of these beautiful dishes, please share with us in the comment section below which is your favorite pattern.

Questions & Answers

Question: Is all Blue Ridge pottery marked?

Answer: No, I'm afraid some are not marked and that adds to the confusion of knowing if you have a real Blue Ridge pottery dish.

Question: I have over a full set of Blue Ridge of apple designs, about 60 pieces. What should I sell them for?

Answer: It sounds like you have a very nice collection of Blue Ridge. There is a Facebook page for Blue Ridge Pottery collectors. If you post on that group what you have and include a picture, you might get some information on the price or might even find a buyer.

Question: Is it safe to put Blue Ridge hand painted underglaze dishes in dishwasher?

Answer: I have done it many times with no problems. As dishwashers may have different hot water temperatures, I would try it first with just one piece to see how it reacts.

Thanks for reading my article on Blue Ridge Pottery.

Question: I have a large collection of an apple or cherry design. I never use them and am wondering what they might be worth. Any idea how to value or sell them?

Answer: There are a couple of Blue Ridge collector's clubs on Facebook. If you post a picture of the pattern and describe the pieces you have, perhaps another collector might be able to tell you about the value.

Question: Since the plates are hand painted underglaze are they safe to eat on?

Answer: Yes, I have eaten on mine for many years.

Question: I have some saucers with the apple design but not stamped Blue Ridge on the bottom. Are they still a collectible item?

Answer: Perhaps. Many pieces of Blue Ridge don't have the stamp on the bottom. I suggest you check out the Blue Ridge Collectors Club on Facebook and post a picture there for the collectors to advise you.

Question: How do I find out the value of a numbered Blue Ridge pottery bowl that was formerly my mother's?

Answer: I suggest you check out the Blue Ridge Collectors Club on Facebook and post a picture there for the collectors to advise you.

Question: We purchased some Modern Leaf dishes and cups a few years ago and have never seen them again. The pattern is a couple of leaves in pale blue, pink and yellow. Can you connect me to sellers?

Answer: My best advice is for you to visit the Facebook page for the Blue Ridge Collectors Club. Describe what you have and include a picture if possible. There are some very knowledgeable collectors in the club that may be able to help you.

Question: Where can I sell my Blue Ridge Bamboo pattern set of dishes?

Answer: You might try listing them on eBay. There are also a couple of collector clubs on Facebook.

Question: Someone recently gave my grandson some of this pottery. It is in nearly pristine condition. How can I tell if it is really from that era?

Answer: There are a few books that have been written with descriptions and pictures of the patterns. There are a couple of Facebook pages for collectors of Blue Ridge Pottery where you could post a picture of it and ask the collectors about it.

Question: How can you tell if a dish is an authentic Blue Ridge piece?

Answer: Sometimes it is hard to tell, especially if the piece doesn't have the Blue Ridge logo. There are some very good books available with many pictures that may give you the information you need.

Question: I found some Christmas plates which match my others but have a mark I have never seen. They say "detergent proof" and have a round circle with the lone pine. Otherwise, it is a legitimate looking mark. Is this mark real?

Answer: I have heard about that mark but like you, I have never seen it before. I do believe it is legitimate.

Question:

Did Blue Ridge ever make ashtrays for Marzetti's Restaurant in Columbus, Ohio?

Answer: I'm not sure but it is entirely possible.

Question: Are Blue Ridge pottery dishes safe to eat off of?

Answer: Absolutely! I have been using my Blue Ridge dishes for years. Thousands of collectors also dine on their dishes.

© 2011 Thelma Raker Coffone

Please Leave Your Comments About Blue Ridge Pottery

April Neal on July 23, 2020:

I am 60 now, I have my mothers set of Blue Ridge in the Apple Pattern.

Joyce Arellano on June 07, 2020:

I have a whole set of early 1950's dinnerware Ring of Roses Pattern. Six place settings with 2 extra coffee cups. Set includes

Dinner Plates-Salad Plates-Soup Bowles-Desert Bowls-2 Serving Bowles-Gravy Boat-Creamer and Sugar Bowl with Lid.

I am interested in selling

[email protected]

Brad Anne on March 20, 2020:

We found two 9 1/4” shell bon bon plates in the Easter Parade pattern. Sadly one had a rim chip but the other is very nice.

Janet Ragan on January 03, 2020:

I am trying to get more pieces of Candlewick Betty , it has a red flower and a yellow flower with the green on the rim. My daughter saw some of these on e bay and fell in love with them,so I am now trying to add to the ones I have bought for her.

Joan Davis on August 21, 2019:

I found a 42 piece collection of “June Bouquet “

Going for 10$ at

Bid Mayo .com

Gray downsizing auction .

Quite a find !!!!

Jim Angelica on July 06, 2019:

Over the years my wife Jan and I have accumulated around 550 pieces of Blue Ridge. We have around 400 different patterns. As you may surmise many are common some are not. We have most of the various serving pieces, salt/peppers, demitasse cups and saucers, vases, pitchers, bowls and cake plates. We are now in our 70's and are down sizing. We would like to sell everything we now have. Can you help us?

Jim Angelica [email protected]

Karen Krajewski on May 03, 2019:

Chinz Pattern

BD2 on March 06, 2019:

I have a single “Mirror Image” plate. Is this pattern hard to find?

Beth on February 23, 2019:

I love Grape Salad but it’s very hard to find!

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on October 21, 2018:

Marcia I don't know if the Pony Express design was made by Southern Potteries. If you can, send me a picture of it and I will see what I can find out. Otherwise, maybe one of my readers will know.

Thank you very much for reading my article about Blue Ridge Pottery.

Marcia Kile on October 20, 2018:

I have a vintage 1950's era restaurant plate with the transfer design of a Pony Express rider. The design is called "Western Traveler" and it's usually made by Tepco. But the plate is marked "Blue Ridge China" USA, on the back. The logo has a line of silhouette trees over the "Blue Ridge", which is all capitol letters. Was it made by Southern Potteries?

Sharon McKinnon on September 27, 2018:

I have a complete service of 8 place settings, serving dishes, salt and pepper, sugar bowl, creamer and more in June's Bouquet. I also have several dinner plates pitchers, vaces, etc. in various patterns in excellent condition. They were originally my grandmothers wedding dishes. Let me know if you are interested in the set or

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on September 24, 2018:

Ginger I am very sad that I won't make it to the show. I hope you enjoy it and come back to my article and tell us how it was.

Thanks for reading my articles!

Thelma

Ginger on September 24, 2018:

I have several different patterns and mix and match them to set a beautiful table....my family and I always say that our meals taste better when served on Blue Ridge Pottery.

If you miss the October show, you will be sad. It is great fun and only a part of the Erwin apple fest. Small town festival at its best.

Sara Jane Hardaway on September 09, 2018:

I have a small collection and love them. I have some serving bowls, a creamer and 2 leaf shaped candy dishes and many plates. I think they painted birds too? I want all of them. They are hard to find though. thanks for posting. Such an American treasure.

Jennifer Galligan on July 25, 2018:

I have been a casual collector of these pieces for about 10 years, ever since my mother gave me 3 dinner plates she found at an antique store. I look for them (almost any pattern) whenever I go thrift store shopping. I just purchased a bunch of pieces today at the local Goodwill; about 25 pieces in the Sunfire pattern. I also have many pieces in the Carol's garden pattern. I can't pick a favorite. They are all beautiful. They are all different, but I can spot one a mile away. Thanks for this article!

Gail Hogan on July 23, 2018:

I have my Grandmother's dishes which appear to called Carol's Roses from what i have researched. They are beautiful and seldom used.

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on July 11, 2018:

I have washed my Blue Ridge Pottery dishes in the dishwasher many times with no problems. If you are worried, try it on just one piece first to be sure it will be ok.

Dee on July 11, 2018:

I have an incomplete set of June bouquet dishes. I inherited them from my grandmother. Can I put them in the dishwasher?

Forest flower on March 17, 2018:

I love the greens and the simple shape. I look for Blue Ridge in every thrift store I visit.

MarilynIN on March 09, 2018:

Chintz. I think it is number 3090, I inherited my Mother's set that she collected after she died. It was only used during the holidays. I've bought more pieces of this pattern and have quite an extensive Chintz collection now.

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on March 02, 2018:

Monica the numbers on the bottom of your Blue Ridge Pottery are pattern numbers. Thanks for asking!

Ann Payton on February 27, 2018:

I have about 500 pieces of Blue Ridge -- wish I had enough space to display it all. Haven't bought any new pieces in about 10 yrs. I want to go to the show in Erwin this fall.

Mialinda Francis on February 18, 2018:

Anyone looking to become an automatic collector. I have over 50 patterns and some sets to sale due to inheritance.

Monica Lisko on January 21, 2018:

I have an apple bowl and it has a number on the back which is 3770. Does the number mean anything!

Jen on November 28, 2017:

I've got a plate that has blue Ridge pottery on the back, along with other writing. It was my grandmother's, around 110 yeas old. Would you know the worth?

Judy linticum on October 26, 2017:

I'd like to find a way to get the things I've collected sold and there value

Sharon Meade on October 13, 2017:

I have my mother's complete set of Blue Ridge Norma.

Gladys on August 18, 2017:

I have @ 88 pcs of

Blue ridge pottery

Fruit punch design , need help

With Prices - need to sell

Rodney&Regina Willbanks on August 06, 2017:

My Mom left me a complete set of plates cups saucers bowls, desert

Plates serving bowls and serving platters. They are yellow flowers with a brown middle

Cindy in idaho on August 06, 2017:

Just found an orphan salt shaker @ shop in Silver City Idaho. On reseach found it's a Blue Ridge Chintz shaker, I love the design! Now I have to find it a mate and cork☺️

Sydney Nichols on May 19, 2017:

Great article! Thanks for sharing. I am a collector of Blue Ridge for the past 26 years with about 8 years as a dealer (4 as a dealer at the Blue Ridge Show in Erwin). I collect the Wild Strawberry, Berryville, Talsiman Wild Strawberry, Mary, Demi's among other Blue Ridge. It all started with a Wild Strawberry plate hanging on the wall in a Birmingham, Al antique shop! 1,000's of pieces later, I still love Blue Ridge!!!

Paula Izumi on April 26, 2017:

Red Nocturne is my favorite and the pattern which I collect. I bought random pieces of that and several other patterns at thrift shops and yard sales, always attracted to their warmth and color first, before turning them over to find that they were made by Blue Ridge Southern Potteries.

Cecelia on April 10, 2017:

I collect Mountain Ivy because my grandmother had several pieces.

Sandy Hale on September 14, 2016:

I love Blue Ridge Pottery. It is hard to say which pattern is my favorite. I collect Red Nocturne and anything with apples on it. Thank you for all of the information you shared about these dishes.

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on November 18, 2015:

Delores I always thought there was a sweetness in them also, especially after I learned the story about the ladies painting them in their homes. Loved your article too on collecting vintage glassware.

Dolores Monet from East Coast, United States on November 18, 2015:

Hi Thelma - these pieces are so pretty! I love the simple designs. I have a small Blue Ridge platter. I remember relatives who had more and always thought there was a sweetness in those dishes.

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on August 19, 2015:

Rene it sounds like you made a great find! You lucky girl!! I am emailing you about a person that knows so much about Blue Ridge pottery. Both of his parents worked in the factory years ago. I think he would be a great source of information for you. Let us all know on here what you find out.

Renee on August 19, 2015:

Hi Thelma...first of all two things made me want to comment.. I'm researching my family history and they are from Missouri. I have a history written by my great uncle that I have been reading this week and it is so interesting to read about how they lived and so forth. Did you finish your book? ....Now for the matter at hand...I bought a Blue Ridge - Talisman Wallpaper Advertisement 'palette' Plate this morning at Goodwill ($2) and have found out it's very valuable... where can I get more information about the actual value of this plate? ...My husband found the book list price $500.00... Is this the going rate for Blue Ridge these days? It took me a long time to find a person I could ask about this...lol Thanks Renee

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on August 17, 2015:

Stacy I'm glad you saved her strawberry set. It is a beautiful pattern. Red Nocturne is one of my favorites. Thanks for reading and commenting!

Stacy on August 17, 2015:

This was wonderfully interesting to read. My mom was an avid collector of dishes, blue ridge in particular. While we sold most of them, I took her Wild Strawberry set (plus the one Berryville serving bowl she grouped with it) . She also had full sets of Red Nocturne and (I think) Ridge Daisy along with all the other random pieces. I didn't realize quite how many of the strawberry she had until I unpacked them all last night after getting them from storage.

Linda Quaas Blaylock on August 10, 2015:

Bravo Thelma. This is a wonderful page.

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on July 25, 2015:

Sharon I am so happy to read your nice comments. I always wonder about the ladies that painted Blue Ridge and wish that I could have met some of them. Thanks for sharing your story with us.

Sharon Fritcher on July 24, 2015:

I am proud to say I was born in Erwin, Tennessee, as was my mother. I now live in Oscoda, Michigan. I have a personal reason for collecting Blue Ridge Pottery. My mom, and one of her sisters, worked there. They were both painters. Every time I hold one of the pieces I wonder if my mom painted that leaf or the beautiful flower. I love the thrift stores because everyone I go into I feel excited that I might find another piece. My mom is gone now so it's wonderful to have this conection to her.

Gran on March 19, 2015:

After finding an adorable little cream picture in a local antique shop and identifying it as Blue Ridge Stanhome Ivy, I Am hooked! . I can't wait to add to my piece and start a collection. Your website has been very informative!

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on April 30, 2013:

Peg I'm just like you as far as can't get enough of American dinnerware. I only live about 3 hours from Erwin, Tennessee and hopefully will make it to the Blue Ridge Pottery show this October. If I do, I will add pictures of it to this hub. Thanks for your comments and I enjoy following you!

Peg Cole from North Dallas, Texas on April 29, 2013:

I love Blue Ridge Potteries and am fortunate to have a gorgeous pitcher and a couple of saucers with the red flower. Had a few others but sold them a few years back on eBay. I'm a collector of American dinnerware and can't seem to get enough. Nice history and explanation of the manufacturer.

Joanne M Olivieri on March 06, 2013:

Thelma, it's like I always say "everything happens for a reason." You have great taste, that pattern is beautiful.

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on March 06, 2013:

Joanne it is such a coincidence that a few minutes ago I was looking at a platter on Ebay with the barn and tree pattern you said you liked. I was debating on purchasing it and starting a collection with a new pattern. I pretty much had decided against it then I saw your comment come in and it must be fate! I love that pattern...

Joanne M Olivieri on March 06, 2013:

What a wonderful pattern. I love the tree with the barn in the background. I have heard the name but never knew anything about the history etc... I am a limited edition plate collector from way back or I should say was a collector. I have recently pared down and sold most of my plates but the art still fascinates me. I very much enjoyed this hub.

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on February 26, 2013:

ytsenoh I collect the Mirror Image pattern shown in the picture above. The picture doesn't do it justice. Like you said, the glaze makes the image come alive. Sometimes I just stand in front of my china cabinet and marvel at how pretty they are. Thanks for your comments on this hub.

Cathy from Louisiana, Idaho, Kauai, Nebraska, South Dakota, Missouri on February 26, 2013:

I love these dishes, but I love art on dishes. It's interesting, too, to see how the glaze can make the images come alive. Thanks for sharing the history of these interesting dishes! Checking out the website now.

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on October 05, 2012:

The Blue Ridge Pottery Show is going on this weekend (Oct 5, 6, 7 2012) in Erwin, Tennessee in conjunction with the Fall Festival there.

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on August 21, 2012:

Please note I have added the dates for the 2012 pottery show and sale above. I plan to be there and I hope you will too!

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on July 03, 2012:

Junklady I agree that French Peasant is a really nice pattern. You might find the celery dish at the Blue Ridge Pottery show in Erwin, Tennessee the first weekend in October. Thanks for your comment.

junklady on July 03, 2012:

Started collecting Blue Ridge 35 years ago. My Mother was caring for an older couple when they were very elderly. Mother was able to receive several pieces of crabapple from them. Mother has passed them on to me and that is how it all started. Today I have 5 complete sets. My favorite is French Peasant. All pieces for 12 except CUPS & SAUCERS. I'm looking for the celery dish. Enjoyed your article very much, very imformative!! Let's have more!!.

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on June 22, 2012:

Debbie, Ridgedaisy is a very beautiful and colorful pattern. I bet your table is gorgeous when set with all of your pieces. Thanks for your comments and happy collecting of Blue Ridge Pottery!

Debbie H.(Canada) on June 22, 2012:

I have 74 pieces of the pattern Ridgedaisy.The yellow fiowers with brown centers and deep green leaves make a very bright and sunny looking table . I love all the bright and lively patterns in the Blueridge Mountain pottery.

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on June 07, 2012:

Laura I am so glad you found my article also. I didn't know about Blue Ridge Pottery either until I stumbled on it at a flea market about 15 years ago. Since then I have collected the Mirror Image (also known by the name Red Nocturne). I finally have enough pieces to set a table for 8. One of the prettiest table settings I ever saw was a combination of different patterns. It is so hard to choose a favorite pattern as they are all so beautiful! Thanks for reading my article on Collecting Blue Ridge Pottery.

Laura on June 07, 2012:

So glad I found your sight, I didn't know the history. My grandmother is from a little town north of Asheville, NC and she had bought some dishes for her parents. I got one after her father died. He still had and used a wood burning stove and it was stored where it turned black with smoke. When I cleaned it I was on love. My grandmother gave me the disestablishment she has and I've found some at various stores....now I'm hooked. I can't wait to set my table with them one day when I have enough to do so. (My favorite is the mirror I'm age too, that's the style of flower that I have!)

Kiltlady on April 13, 2012:

I was been given my grandmother's French Peasant pitcher in 1983 by my dear mother before she passed away....it is in wonderful condition and I display it proudly. I would love to add pieces as I can find them....it will never be for sale but wondering what I should perhaps insure it for or should it even be insured? Any hints as to any good sources to look for more French Peasant and prices that I should expect to pay reasonably? Thank you!

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on March 26, 2012:

Julia I bet she had some wonderful stories to tell! Thanks for your comments.

Thelma

Julia Harris Kieninger on March 26, 2012:

My family is from Harris Hallow and my grandmother was one of Ladies that painted the pottery.

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on March 25, 2012:

Pam,

Thanks for sharing your collecting experiences. What are your favorite patterns?

Thelma

Pam on March 23, 2012:

I started with a saucer and now have two complete sets, plus 50 misc pieces. Each piece I hold speaks to me and carries the history of our country. I had no idea what I learned from your post. In Oklahoma it is hard to find much more than saucers, but the quest continues to save each piece. Collector of 2 decades.

peggy on August 05, 2011:

I saw a French peasant pitcher recently & fell in love w'it what would be a reasonable price to pay for it

Zsuzsy Bee from Ontario/Canada on April 05, 2011:

I love all stuff 'folk art'. The style of painting on the china definitely has that sweet primitive feel to it. Great hub, thanks for sharing

regards Zsuzsy

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on April 05, 2011:

Simone thank you for the kind words. As a newbie I need all of the encouragement I can get!

Simone Haruko Smith from San Francisco on April 05, 2011:

Indeed, these dishes are interesting! I had never known that there was a distinct style that emerged from the region. Great Hub!

Thelma Raker Coffone (author) from Blue Ridge Mountains, USA on April 05, 2011:

Thanks so much for the nice comment dearabbysmom. This is my very first article for hubpages and I am very excited!

Is Blue Ridge Pottery still made?

Dinnerware production still remains in the future. The only current product is a series of piggybanks decorated in Blue Ridge patterns. Piggybanks were not produced during original production, 1916-1957.

Does Blue Ridge Pottery have lead?

Blue Ridge Pottery is high fired stoneware, a hard and durable pottery. It is lead-free and safe for use with all foods.