Fiestaware by the Homer Laughlin Company

Fiestaware is a highly collectible line of dinnerware that is manufactured by the Homer Laughlin China Company located in Newell, West Virginia. Fiestaware first hit the market in 1936 and is considered to be the first mass-marketed solid color dinnerware available to consumers. Early pieces of Fiestaware bring top dollar at auction with one of the most coveted colors being red.

When the Fiesta line of dinnerware was first produced, it started with five basic colors. These same five colors remained a staple of theFiestaware line until the early 1950's. In the early 1940's the original red that was produced by the Homer Laughlin Company used uranium oxide in order to create the vibrant red glaze. This color had to be discontinued due to the government taking control of all Uranium sources during WWII. Red was later available from 1959 to 1969 and remains one of the most coveted colors to serious collectors sometimes bringing thousands of dollars per place setting at auction.

In 1950 Fiestaware was introduced in four new colors in an attempt to boost sagging sales. Sales levels continued to lag behind what the manufacturer thought were acceptable levels so HomeLaughlin again redesigned the Fiestaware line. In the late 1960's Fiestaware changed the shape and design of many of their pieces. Finials were added to bowl covers and other embellishments were added to make the design more appealing to the contemporary market. It was very common for pieces of Fiestaware from this time period to be decorated with a variety of decals.

The redesign proved to be unsuccessful and Fiestaware was discontinued by the Homer Laughlin Company in early 1973. While Fiestaware had been discontinued, it's popularity increased with collectors and the Homer Laughlin China Company re-introduced a new line of Fiestaware in 1986 that very closely resembles the original Fiestaware of the early 1930's. This new line was timed to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the release of the original Fiestaware line. The Homer Laughlin Company continues to keep collectors interested by limiting the time that their new colors are available on the market. Serious collectors can't seem to get enoughFiestaware as it's popularity continues to increase. While red has never been included in the more modern line of Fiestaware, the ever changing colors that are introduced seem to be what keeps these collectors interested in the notorious line by the Homer Laughlin China Company.

If you are interested in the history of Fiestaware, the Smithsonian Musuem has a great display that was created in 1998 that displays original Fiestaware pieces along with the history of the collector that donated the collection. To purchase vintage Fiestaware, always be on the lookout when visiting local estate sales and auctions. If online auctions are more appealing, you can always find a great selection of vintageFiestaware online at Ebay. If you are considering purchasing online, it is a good idea to be as familiar as possible with the item as well as the sellers feedback. Vintage Fiestaware can sell for hundreds of dollars and unscrupulous sellers will sometimes not represent the pieces in their actual condition. For the most protection, use a credit card to pay for your online transaction.