If you have ever spent time browsing antique shops, estate sales, or even your grandmother’s hutch here in Ontario, chances are you’ve seen that unmistakable, swirling green glaze. It’s sleek, it’s stylized, and it’s a piece of our local history. We are talking, of course, about Blue Mountain Pottery (BMP)….the legendary ceramic company that turned Collingwood clay into international art.
For over fifty years, Blue Mountain Pottery wasn’t just a business; it was a Canadian icon. From its humble beginnings in a ski resort basement to its peak as a global exporter, the story of BMP is as colorful as its glazes. Because we see so many of these beautiful "goodies" come through Funky Junk Auctions, we wanted to put together the absolute ultimate resource for you.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer who just found a "funky" green swan at a garage sale, this guide is your hub for everything BMP. We’ve broken down the history, the science, and the secrets of the hunt into a 6-part deep dive.
Let’s take a look at the journey of this Collingwood legend….
The Story Behind the Clay
The story starts with a man named Jozo Weider. A Czechoslovakian immigrant with a vision, Weider is best known for founding the Blue Mountain Ski Resort. But in the early 1950s, running a ski hill was a seasonal gamble. He needed a way to keep his staff employed and the lights on during the muddy off-season months.
The solution was literally right beneath his feet.
Using the rich, red clay found on the slopes of the Blue Mountains, Weider and a small team of artisans began crafting pottery in the basement of the ski barn. It started as a way to "save" the ski resort, but it quickly became a phenomenon in its own right. By the time production ceased in 2004, Blue Mountain Pottery had found its way into homes across the globe.
Part 1 : The Ski Hill Start: From Barn to Global Brand
In the first part of our series, we look at those early, gritty days. You’ll learn how Jozo Weider partnered with talented craftsmen like Dennis Tupy to create a brand that would eventually define Canadian ceramics. It’s a story of grit, clay, and a lot of determination.
Read more about the origins here: Part 1 : The Ski Hill Start
The Secret is in the "Drip"
When people think of Blue Mountain Pottery, they think of that specific look….the way the light and dark glazes seem to melt into one another. This wasn't an accident; it was a carefully guarded industrial secret known as "reflowing" or "flow glazing."
Unlike traditional pottery where a solid color is applied, BMP used two different glazes. During the high-firing process in the kiln, the lighter glaze would actually run and drip through the darker base glaze. This created those organic, streaky patterns that we all know and love. The best part? Because the glaze moved differently every single time, no two pieces are ever exactly identical. Your green dolphin is truly one of a kind!
Part 2 : Secrets of the "Drip": The Art of Flow Glazing
Ever wonder why some pieces look more "streaky" than others? In Part 2, we peel back the curtain on the technical side of the kiln. We explore how the "reflowing" process worked and why that signature blue-green color became the company's trademark.
Discover the science of the glaze here: Part 2 : Secrets of the "Drip"
A Menagerie of Mid-Century Style
If the glaze is the soul of Blue Mountain Pottery, the shapes are the heart. The company was famous for its stylized animal figurines. These weren't realistic depictions; they were sleek, modern, and often inspired by the wildlife found right here in Canada.
From the iconic long-necked swans (like the gorgeous RED SWAN pictured above) to jumping deer, stout owls, and graceful angelfish, these pieces brought a touch of nature into mid-century modern homes. Collectors today go absolutely "wild" for these critters, especially when they find a rare pose or a particularly large floor-sized version.
Part 3 : The Iconic Animal Kingdom: Wildlife in Clay
In Part 3, we take a tour of the BMP zoo. We highlight the most popular animals ever produced and discuss which ones are currently the "top treats" for collectors on the auction block. If you’ve ever wondered if your ceramic owl is a "great" find, this is the post for you.
Meet the animals here: Part 3 : The Iconic Animal Kingdom
Not Just Green: Exploring the Rainbow
While the blue-green glaze is the most famous, BMP actually experimented with a whole host of other colors over the decades. As a collector, finding these "alternative" glazes is where the real excitement begins.
Have you ever seen a piece in Harvest Gold? Or perhaps the moody and sophisticated Mocha? There were even runs of Cobalt Blue, Slate, and the highly coveted Red. These colors were often produced in much smaller quantities than the traditional green, making them special prizes for those of us who love the thrill of the hunt.
Part 4 : Beyond the Green: Rare Colors and Hidden Gems
If you think you've seen everything Blue Mountain has to offer, think again. Part 4 dives into the "rare" side of the factory. We look at the different glaze eras and explain why a "red" piece might fetch a much higher price than its green cousin.
Explore the colors here: Part 4 : Beyond the Green
Tips for the Modern Collector
How do you know if that vase you found is authentic Blue Mountain Pottery? It’s a question we get all the time! Because BMP was so popular, there were many "copycats" over the years.
One of the biggest clues is on the bottom of the piece. Authentic Collingwood-era pottery was made from local red clay. If you see a patch of unglazed red clay on the base, you are likely looking at the real deal. In later years, the company used different marks and stickers, which can make identification a bit of a puzzle….but that’s part of the fun!
Part 5 : The Collector’s Hunt: How to Spot the Real Deal
In Part 5, we give you the tools to be a BMP detective. We talk about markings, clay types, and common "look-alikes." We also discuss what makes a piece valuable today : from condition to rarity and size.
Learn the secrets of the hunt here: Part 5 : The Collector’s Hunt
Keeping the Legend Alive
Once you’ve started your collection, you want to make sure those "goodies" last for another fifty years. Because the flow glaze is a lead-based silicate (in older pieces), they require a little bit of special care. You definitely don’t want to go throwing your vintage BMP in the dishwasher!
Part 6 : Caring for Your Collection: Tips and Tricks
In the final part of our series, we cover the "boring but important" stuff. How to clean your pottery without damaging the finish, the best ways to display it to avoid "shelf-wear," and how to handle repairs if a tragedy happens.
Read our maintenance guide here: Part 6 : Caring for Your Collection
Join the Fun at Funky Junk!
Blue Mountain Pottery is more than just "vintage stuff"….it's a connection to our past and a testament to Canadian creativity. At Funky Junk Auctions, we are always on the lookout for these iconic pieces to bring to you. Whether you are looking for a classic green swan to start your collection or a rare Harvest Gold horse to complete one, our online-only auctions are the place to be.
We hope this ultimate guide helps you appreciate these treasures even more the next time you see that familiar green glow. Keep your eyes peeled on our upcoming listings : you never know what AWESOME finds are just around the corner!
Happy bidding, everyone!
Team Funky
