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By Sharon Bennett

Often times you will see references made to different names in connection with Blue Mountain Pottery and the following is a brief summery of a few important founders and caretakers that were connected to Blue Mountain Pottery in one area of expertise or another. Each was an important and pivotal part of the success and reputation of this unique Canadian pottery.

Mr. Jozo Weider (1909-1971)

Jozo as he liked to be called to was one of the founders of Blue Mountain Pottery. He was born in Zilina Slovakia, Czechoslovakia and immigrated to Canada in the1940s. He came here as an accomplished ski instructor and he was a true visionary that never missed an opportunity to expand his horizons. After connecting with some of his fellow countrymen he determined to expand the ski resort's interests with a gift shop. He and Mr.Tupy started making the pottery, as we know it today, in a small old barn area at the base of the ski hill. They used the clay that was so readily available from the surrounding ski hills. In later years two other types of clay were added to enhance the clay making formula. Hence, Blue Mountain Pottery came into existence. The pottery has adorned many a household in Canada, USA, Europe and the British Isles over the years. Sadly, Mr. Weider was killed in a car accident in October 1971.

Mr. Denis Tupy

Mr. Denis Tupy was born in 1929 in Breznice, Czechoslovakia, and arrived in Canada via Hamburg Germany in early 1951. This young 21 year old joined Blue Mountain Pottery in 1953 as an accomplished ceramic mould maker having trained in Europe. He came to Canada to restart his life, finally meeting up with fellow countrymen Jozo Weider and Mirek Hambalek - the rest is history. They went on to collaborate on most of the Blue Mountain Pottery moulds and glazes that we are familiar with today. Mr. Tupy is renowned for his many mould designs: the Angelfish; signature jug; horse head bookends; and frond vases perhaps being the best known. His creativity and dynamic designs were quick to catch public attention and established Blue Mountain Pottery as both iconic and desirable. Mr. Tupy went on to form his own pottery company known as Canadian Ceramic Craft (CCC) Pottery in 1960. It was later renamed Rainbow Pottery. Mr.Tupy continues to enjoy his retirement in the Collingwood area today.

   Denis Tupy - October 2005

Overview

Dating BMP By Colour

Catalogue Information

Cleaning Tips

Tour the Studio

Misrepresentation

Some Basic Rules

Who's Who