biography
Edith Heath founded Heath Ceramics in 1948 and for 60 years she was the driving force at Heath Ceramics. Her dinnerware combines a craft-based heritage with modern lines in a way that has been prized by many.
Born May 25, 1911, to Danish farmers in Iowa, Edith was one of seven children, and spent her early years helping to raise her siblings, baking bread and sewing. Friends and colleagues said the Depression only made her more resourceful and independent, qualities that would define her artwork.
Edith was a talented ceramicist with a great respect for craft and material, and a strong point of view on the product that her company would make — simple, good things for good people. She became a defining influence of 20th century design and was the first non-architect to win the American Institute of Architects Industrial Arts Medal for her distinctively beautiful tile. Known and respected for her drive to understand the science behind her craft, she not only mixed all of her own glazes, but also developed her own proprietary clay body – one that only requires a single lower-than-normal-temperature firing. This specialized combination produces an extremely durable product while consuming less energy.
The Heath Ceramic name is synonymous with simple, durable, honest, functional and thoughtfully designed tableware and tile. Heathware can be found in restaurants, homes and museums worldwide, as well as many of Edith’s original pieces reside in the permanent collections of museums such as the MOMA
and LACMA.
Over sixty years later, Heath Ceramics is one of the few mid-century American potteries still in existence. Operated by new owners Robin Petravic and Catherine Bailey since 2003, Heath Ceramics continues to make all of their hand-glazed tableware and architectural tile – from start to finish – in the original Sausalito factory designed and built in 1959 by Marquis & Stoller.
FAMOUS WORK
Coupe Studio Line Studio Cup, Pitcher and Creamer, Ashtray, Serving Dish Casserole, Large Teapot
