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Written by Eric Nagler

Named after the Blue Mountain Ridge near Collingwood, Ontario, This famous pottery studio started in 1946 to provide summer occupation for the staff of the local ski run. In their hey days BMP was world famous as Canada's most distinctive pottery, with substantial markets in England, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, the Far East and the West Indies. I took a tour of the studios with my camera and posted it on the Web. So, here's a nostalgic look back.

Red earthenware clay was dug from local creek beds and aged for two years, then sieved and mixed with water until it had the consistency of cream. This slip was used to fill plaster moulds and left to dry. Moulds eventually wear out so new designs were frequent.

After the absorbent plaster moulds were filled with slip they were left until a layer of clay dried on the inside. Then the excess slip was poured out to be used again and the surplus clay trimmed from the outside of the mould. The mould will turn lighter as it dries and then the seams where the pieces of the mould met will be carefully removed.

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Overview

Dating BMP By Colour

Catalogue Information

Cleaning Tips

Tour the Studio

Misrepresentation

Some Basic Rules

Who's Who