Fiesta Ware: A Sunny Splash Of Yellow

Fiesta Ware Yellow is a range of vibrant and sunny-hued dinnerware and serveware produced by the Homer Laughlin China Company. The original Fiesta Ware Yellow collection was manufactured from 1951 to 1959, with a contemporary version being produced from 1987 to 2002. The range includes plates, bowls, mugs, teapots, and more, with the yellow glaze proving to be a central and popular part of the Fiesta rainbow of glazes. The yellow glaze was also used in the Harlequin and Riviera pottery lines, appearing slightly brighter than the original Fiesta Ware Yellow.

Vintage Fiesta Ware

The yellow glaze of Vintage Fiesta Ware is not only cheerful and sunny but also versatile, mixing and matching well with other colours in the collection. This makes it a great choice for collectors who want to create a colourful and vibrant table setting. The yellow glaze is also available in the Harlequin and Riviera pottery lines, which feature a slightly brighter shade of yellow that still complements the original Fiesta Ware collection.

Homer Laughlin China

In 1872, the East Liverpool, Ohio City Council noticed the declining popularity of yellow ware. They offered $5,000 to anyone who would build a four-kiln pottery producing white ware. The Laughlin brothers won the competition and built their pottery in East Liverpool, their native area. The plant initially struggled due to a lack of capital and experience, but the brothers persevered, and by 1876, they were awarded a medal for best white ware at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In 1877, Homer bought his brother's share of the company and renamed it "Homer Laughlin". The company faced stiff competition from European and English China, as American ware was perceived as more expensive and of lesser quality. However, Homer Laughlin designed a mark featuring the American Eagle on top of the British Lion to show his confidence in American ware.

The company continued to grow and expand, and in 1927, they hired Frederick Hurten Rhead, one of the world's foremost ceramists. Rhead's first task was to update the catalog, introducing new colours and designs. In 1935, he created Fiesta ware, which became the company's most popular and collected line of china. Fiesta ware was discontinued in 1959 but was reintroduced in 1986 to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Today, Homer Laughlin China Company still operates at the Newell, West Virginia site, and their china can be found in hundreds of restaurants across the country, including the Marriott Hotel chain.

Dinnerware and Serveware

Yellow Fiesta Ware is a great way to add a sunny and warm atmosphere to your dining experience. The colour was first introduced in 1987 as a new addition to the original five glaze colours and ran until 2002. Since then, it has become a sought-after collector's item.

Fiesta Ware offers a wide range of yellow dinnerware and serveware, including plates, bowls, mugs, teapots, and pitchers. The brand is known for its variety of colours, with a new shade introduced each year, making it appealing to a broad audience. The yellow glaze is a pale and creamy hue, creating a bright and cheerful table setting.

Some specific items in the yellow colour include the Fiesta Sunflower Yellow Cereal Soup Bowl, the Fiesta Luncheon Bowl Plate in Sunflower, and the Vintage Fiesta Yellow Disc Pitcher. For those who prefer a softer shade, the Fiesta Soft Yellow Cream and Sugar Set is a popular choice.

In addition to the classic yellow, Fiesta Ware also offers a brighter variation called Sunflower Yellow. This shade is perfect for those who want a bolder and more vibrant table setting. Items in this colour include the Fiesta 2-Piece Sunflower Yellow Dipping Set and the Fiesta Pottery Sunflower Yellow Creamer and Sugar Bowl Set.

Whether you prefer the classic yellow or the brighter Sunflower Yellow, Fiesta Ware's dinnerware and serveware in these colours are sure to add a touch of sunshine to your dining table.

Rare and Vintage Pieces

Fiesta Ware, sometimes called Fiestaware, is a household name in dinnerware, alongside the likes of Pyrex and Fire King. The Homer Laughlin China Company first introduced the Fiesta line of dinnerware in 1936, and it quickly became popular, with over a million pieces produced by the second year of manufacturing.

The original five Fiesta colours were green, cobalt blue, yellow, red, and ivory, with turquoise being added a year later. The bright red was achieved using uranium dye, which is no longer used. The original shapes featured Art Deco influences and widening concentric circles, which remain an identifying feature of true Fiesta ware. The first line featured 34 pieces, including pots, pitchers, bowls, plates, candle holders, vases, and trays.

Some of the rarest and most vintage pieces of Fiesta Ware are those that were discontinued early on in production, such as the covered onion soup bowl, which was discontinued in 1937, and the lidded mixing bowls, discontinued in 1936. These pieces can cost upwards of $1500. The original colours are also valuable, especially medium green, which was introduced in 1959 and is a beautiful 'John Deere' green. Items in this colour can cost as much as $3000. Red is also sought after due to its discontinuation during World War II, and turquoise is valuable as it was released later than the original colours, so some shapes are hard to find in this shade.

Other rare pieces include vases, especially in undamaged condition, which can cost around $2000 each. Complete sets with lids are valuable as the pieces often get separated, and items from the 1930s and 1940s are also sought after.

Mixing and Matching

Fiesta ware is a line of ceramic glazed dinnerware manufactured and marketed by the Fiesta Tableware Company of Newell, West Virginia. The company was known as the Homer Laughlin China Company until 2020. Fiesta ware has been noted for its Art Deco styling and its range of bold, solid colours. The original five colours were green, cobalt blue, yellow, red and ivory. A year after the Fiesta line debuted, the company added a sixth colour: turquoise.

Since its inception, Fiesta has been sold in sets or from "open stock", where customers can select, mix and match pieces from the entire colour range. The promotion and presentation of Fiesta from the start was as a line of open-stock items from which the individual purchaser could choose to combine serving and place pieces by personal preference and need.

When it comes to mixing and matching, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the colours you want to include. Do you want to stick to a particular colour scheme, or go for a rainbow effect? Secondly, consider the shapes of the pieces. Do you want everything to be the same shape, or a mix of different shapes?

• Sunburst: Combine yellow with other bright, sunny colours like orange and red. This colour combination will really pop on your table.
• Springtime: Mix and match yellow with green and white for a fresh, springtime feel.
• Golden Harvest: Pair yellow with brown and orange for a golden harvest-themed table setting.
• Sunshine and Sky: Combine yellow with different shades of blue for a cheerful, summery look.
• Monochromatic: Stick to different shades of yellow, from pale custard to bright sunflower, for a stylish, elegant table.

Frequently asked questions