I mentioned wanting to focus on individual dish designs in blog posts and thought the best way to start it would be with the main set I collect and use, Vernonware Raffia (sometimes just called Vernon Raffia).
I initially took notice of these dishes while watching Mad Men, and had to learn more about them. I just love the elegant simplicity of the design and the gorgeous mint green color. These dishes were manufactured from 1953-1954 at Vernon Kilns in Vernon California. They are hand painted in dark greens and brown over a minty green. A little less popular, but almost identical is Vernonware Barkwood, which is pretty much the same set but in shades of brown.
I have been collecting this set for three years now. I received quite a few pieces as a Christmas gift years ago and have been slowly adding to my collection when I come across pieces on eBay or etsy (and even once at an estate sale, that was lucky!). There are so many more pieces that I have seen in photographs around the web. Some of the pieces that I would love to add to my collection include: egg cups, coffee mugs, tumblers, a water jug, a covered casserole dish, nesting mixing bowls, individual casserole dishes with handles, and a syrup jar.
Check out Betty Draper’s set in action here.
Late comment, but wow, what a great set! One of the things I love about mid-century stuff is the use of “brushstroke” design, like some beatnik artist came through and painted everything. I think this set falls in that category! I also love that you don’t “save it”, you use it- as it should be.
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You have some of the most incredible mid-century dishware collections I’ve ever encountered, and I positively adore seeing them.
♥ Jessica
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