Red Wing's dinnerware production started with the Gypsy Trail line in 1935 and ended with Ceramastone when the pottery closed in 1967. All-in-all, the company produced 31 lines (or shapes) and 104 different patterns.

The easiest lines to find are probably Bob White, Lotus, Magnolia, and Village Green. At the time of its manufacture in 1957, Bob White was said to be the most popular dinnerware line in the country. The most elusive lines are probably Bud, Harvest, Wreath, and Delta Blue.

Red Wing dinnerware was distinctive. The shapes were unusual, and the majority of the designs were hand-painted. Serving pieces often had applied handles or knobs. These qualities, however, make collecting more difficult as breakage was and is very common.

Collecting Red Wing dinnerware has increased in popularity, especially in the last ten years. At the 1987 annual RWCS Convention, the majority of items in the Auction and Show & Sale were stoneware; dinnerware was somewhat scoffed at. In 1997 dinnerware was in the majority at the Show and Sale. This is at least partly because some Red Wing stoneware and art pottery is now priced out of reach for many people.

Dinnerware collectors may concentrate on completing a set in a particular pattern or collecting representative pieces of each pattern, like plates, teapots, butter dishes or pitchers. It can be great fun and typically doesn't require the financial investment that stoneware and artware do.



Sue Jones Tagliapietra