Well, here we are….the final chapter in our deep dive into the world of Collingwood’s most famous export! We’ve had so much fun exploring the history, the shapes, and those iconic glazes over the last few weeks, but today we’re talking about the end of an era and what it means for you as a collector right now.
If you’ve been following along, you know we’re absolutely head-over-heels for Blue Mountain Pottery (BMP)….and if you’ve seen our recent listings, you know we have a HUGE collection of these goodies up for grabs in our current online auctions! It’s such a special time to be a collector because the secret is out….prices are on the move and people are rediscovering how cool these mid-century treats really are.
The Day the Kilns Went Cold
It’s hard to believe, but the factory in Collingwood officially shut its doors on December 31, 2004. For over 50 years, that facility was the heart and soul of Canadian pottery, pumping out those beautiful green-drip vases and quirky animal figurines that ended up in just about every Canadian household.
When the news hit that they were closing, it was a sad day for the community….but it was also a turning point for the secondary market. Suddenly, those "everyday" items that everyone had on their mantels became finite. There would never be another new piece of BMP made in Collingwood ever again.
The Great Smash: Why the Molds are Gone
Now, here is the part that really gives collectors the chills (in a good way!). When the factory closed, the owner, Mr. Blair, made a very bold decision. He didn't want the Blue Mountain Pottery name to be dragged through the mud by cheap, inferior replicas made overseas. To protect the legacy and the hard work of the Collingwood artisans, he ordered the DESTRUCTION OF THE MOLDS.
Every single master mold was smashed….shattered into pieces so they could never be used again. This means that even if someone wanted to restart the company today, they couldn't just pick up where things left off. Every genuine piece of BMP you find at our antique auctions or online auctions is a piece of history that literally cannot be replicated. That "Final Firing" was truly the end of the line!
Rare Glazes: Mocha, Pewter, and Beyond
While most people think of that classic "emerald green" when they hear Blue Mountain, the real excitement for collectors often lies in the rarer glazes. If you’re looking to add some serious value to your collection, you’ve got to keep your eyes peeled for the "odds and ends" that didn't see the same mass production.
We’ve seen some AWESOME pieces coming through lately in these hard-to-find finishes….
- BLUE-GREEN (OR TEAL): The most famous signature look, featuring vibrant blue and green tones that cascade over a darker, moody underglaze.
- MOCHA: Soft, earthy brown tones.
- PEWTER: A metallic-looking, muted gray-to-silver glaze.
- HARVEST GOLD: A warm, golden-yellow base paired with contrasting darker drips.
- COBALT BLUE: Rich, deep blue hues layered for a sleek, striking finish.
- RED & WHITE / RED FLAMBÉ: Rarer, highly sought-after vibrant red glazes.
- IRIDESCENT: These pieces have a pearly, rainbow-like sheen that is just stunning when the light hits them.
Finding a piece in one of these glazes is like finding a needle in a haystack, which is why we’re so excited about the variety in our upcoming sales!
Why Values are Climbing in Online Auctions
We get asked all the time: "Is my pottery actually worth anything?" The answer is a big, resounding YES! Because the supply is fixed (thanks to those smashed molds!) and the demand is growing, we’re seeing a real surge in interest.
Collectors from all over are scouring online auctions to find those specific pieces to complete their sets. Whether it's the large sculptural vases or the tiny animal figurines, people are realizing that these are high-quality, handmade Canadian treasures.
Tips for the Savvy Collector
If you’re looking to start or grow your collection, here are a few "Team Funky" tips to keep in mind while you’re browsing our listings:
- Check the Marks: Look for the "BMP Canada" or "Blue Mountain Pottery" markings on the bottom. Sometimes it’s a sticker, sometimes it’s stamped right into the clay.
- Look at the Clay: Authentic BMP from Collingwood is made from a distinct red clay. If you see a chip (hopefully not!) and the clay underneath is white, it’s likely a replica from elsewhere.
- Condition is Key: While a little "crazing" (those tiny cracks in the glaze) is normal for older pottery, try to find pieces that are free of major chips or repairs.
- Buy What You Love: At the end of the day, these pieces were meant to be enjoyed! Whether it's a $20 ashtray or a $200 rare vase, if it makes you smile, it’s a great buy.
JOIN THE FUN!
Don't miss out on this "LAST BLAST" of BMP treasures. Our auctions are all online, so you can bid from the comfort of your couch and come see us for your scheduled curbside pickup. It’s easy, it’s fun, and you might just find your new favorite piece of Canadian history!
We can't wait to see who takes home these awesome goodies….happy bidding!
Explore the Blue Mountain Pottery Series:
- The Ultimate Guide: <BLOG_POST:dfd540f7-8b0d-4ef4-95a3-0a6623f54583>
- Part 1: The Ski Hill Start: <BLOG_POST:0aa87221-ceb9-45af-9c25-fa01226d3136>
- Part 2: Secrets of the "Drip": <BLOG_POST:dd8fd3e5-ae33-4053-a69a-8647e3e4d88d>
- Part 3: The Iconic Animal Kingdom: <BLOG_POST:bdcebfdd-6d60-48db-8964-fff999646c87>
- Part 4: Beyond the Green: <BLOG_POST:f4f4c3a5-2ca6-4d30-bb03-77cde2ab0fb9>
- Part 5: The Collector’s Hunt: <BLOG_POST:14e9224f-2daf-47ef-a7de-8ef1f1f8b85c>
Team Funky
