The Wright Stuff

These delightful dishes in an array of enticing colors are the epitome of mid-century modern. They are examples of the American Modern line created by American industrial designer Russel Wright (1904 – 1976).  Wright was instrumental in introducing this sleek, sophisticated, yet casual, modern design to the average American home.  Beginning in the late 1920s, Wright designed everything from furniture to textiles and worked in a wide variety of materials, from wood and pottery to modern creations such as aluminum and melamine.  He considered the dinner table the center of home life and that is no doubt why he is best remembered for his dishware. 

In 1939, he introduced his American Modern dinnerware line, produced by Steubenville Pottery Company in Ohio. The unadorned pieces with a streamlined curves and array of mix and match colors were made in affordable earthenware and were an huge success. Produced over the next 20 years, American Modern was one of the most popular lines of tableware ever produced in America.

Many American Modern pieces have small firing flaws or bubbles in the colorful glazes, enhancing their hand-made appeal.  Although the earthenware made the American Modern line affordable, the low-fire material is sadly subject to chips.  However, this sensational set at Next-to-New is in amazing condition for this type of dinnerware.  

Although Steubenville stopped offering American Modern in 1959, this timeless style has seen a revival.  In 2001, Oneida introduced a line based on Wright's dish designs, including American Modern  (now discontinued) and Bauer Pottery of California is currently creating reproductions of the American Modern line.  However, you can see (and buy) the authentic originals at Next-to-New (and frankly for less than the contemporary copies).