Vernon Kilns: California Pottery & Commemorative Dinnerware

Vernon Kilns operated in Vernon, California (now part of Los Angeles), from 1931 to 1958, producing colorful dinnerware, commemorative plates, and art pottery that epitomized California's casual mid-century lifestyle. Under the direction of Faye Bennison, the company collaborated with notable designers including Rockwell Kent, Don Blanding, and Walt Disney Studios, creating some of the most distinctive and collectible American dinnerware of the era.

History & Production

The pottery began as Poxon China Company (1912) and was reorganized as Vernon Kilns in 1931 under Faye Bennison's leadership. Bennison transformed the company by hiring prominent designers and creating distinctive product lines. The Ultra shape (designed 1937) became the company's signature dinnerware form. Vernon Kilns also produced an extensive line of commemorative and souvenir plates depicting cities, states, and landmarks. The company closed in 1958, with molds sold to Metlox Potteries.

Key Design Lines

• Ultra Shape: The streamlined dinnerware form used for most decorated lines
• Rockwell Kent Designs: "Salamina," "Moby Dick," "Our America" (1938-1939) -- the most valuable
• Don Blanding Designs: "Hawaiian Flowers," "Lei Lani," "Coral Reef" -- tropical themes
• Disney Designs: Fantasia figurines and dinnerware (1940) -- extremely rare and valuable
• Tam O'Shanter / Organdie / Plaid: Popular solid-color and plaid patterns
• Commemorative Plates: Hundreds of designs depicting states, cities, and historical subjects

Auction Price Ranges

Condition Factors

• Crazing: Fine glaze cracking is common on Vernon Kilns; heavy crazing reduces value
• Chips: Edge and rim chips are the most common damage; significant chips devalue pieces
• Pattern wear: Transfer designs can fade with use; vivid, unworn patterns command premiums
• Marks: Vernon Kilns used various backstamps that help date production; clear marks are preferred
• Color intensity: Bright, unfaded colors are essential, especially on Don Blanding tropical designs
• Completeness: Full place settings and serving pieces bring premiums over individual plates

Collecting Tips

• Rockwell Kent-designed pieces are the most sought after and command the highest prices
• Disney Fantasia pieces are extremely rare; most were destroyed in the 1940 warehouse fire
• Don Blanding tropical patterns epitomize California pottery and have a dedicated following
• Commemorative plates are an affordable entry point with hundreds of designs to collect
• The Vernon Kilns backstamp evolved over time, helping collectors date pieces
• Reference Michael Nelson's "Collectible Vernon Kilns" for comprehensive pattern identification
• California pottery collectors group Vernon Kilns with Bauer, Metlox, and Franciscan for regional collections