Hey there, collectors and treasure hunters! We are so excited to dive back into our favorite local legend from Collingwood…. Blue Mountain Pottery! If you’ve been following our series, you know we’ve already chatted about the history and those mesmerizing glazes. But today, we are getting into the really fun stuff…. the "bestiary."
That’s just a fancy word for all the incredible animal figurines that made BMP a household name across Canada and beyond! We have a HUGE collection of BMP hitting the auction block right now, and even more treats coming for you next week. If you’ve been looking to add a little bit of mid-century magic to your shelves, you are in the right place….
The Master Behind the Molds: Dennis Tupy
Before we look at the critters themselves, we have to talk about the man who gave them their "soul." While Jozo Weider started the company on a ski hill, it was Dennis Tupy who really brought the artistic vision to life in the 1950s. Tupy was a master mold designer from Czechoslovakia, and he brought that sleek, European sensibility to Ontario.
He didn't just want to make a "fish" or a "bird"…. he wanted to create something that looked like it was in motion! That’s why those early Tupy designs have such a gorgeous, streamlined Mid-Century Modern (MCM) vibe. They aren't just pottery; they are little pieces of modern art that just happen to look like dolphins and deer.
The "Gateway Drug" for Collectors
If you ask any BMP enthusiast how they got started, nine times out of ten, they’ll tell you it was an animal figurine. Maybe it was a little angelfish sitting on their grandmother's mantel or a majestic swan in the bathroom. These animals are the ultimate "gateway drug" for collectors because they are so recognizable and just plain fun to display!
The most iconic of them all has to be the ANGELFISH. It is the ultimate Tupy design…. thin, elegant, and perfectly balanced. When that green and black "drip" glaze flows over the fins, it looks like the fish is actually swimming through the water. We see these pop up in our online auctions all the time, and they never stay long!
Other members of the BMP bestiary you should keep an eye out for include….
- The leaping DOLPHINS (always a crowd favorite!)
- The graceful DEER and fawns
- The majestic SWANS and ducks
- The powerful BUFFALO (these are rarer and very cool!)
- The sleek HORSES and horse-head bookends
- The stylized BIRDS like herons and owls
More Than Just Animals: The MCM Vibe
While the animals get all the glory, the "bestiary" also includes some of the most stunning Mid-Century Modern shapes in Canadian pottery history. If you love that 1960s aesthetic, you have to check out the vases and jugs designed during the Tupy era.
Take a look at the "Frond Vase" or the "Signature Jug." They have these sweeping, asymmetrical lines that look like they belong in a high-end designer’s home. They are a bit like the "cool older cousins" of the animal figurines. They use the same awesome glazes but in a way that feels a bit more sophisticated and architectural.
We love seeing how you style these in your homes! Whether you have a modern condo or a cozy vintage-inspired bungalow, a single piece of BMP can really tie a room together. The rich Blue-Green/Teal, sleek Cobalt Blue, and earthy Mocha glazes are just so timeless.
Why You Need to Bid Now!
If you are a new collector, starting with an animal figurine is a great way to go. They are sturdy, they are beautiful, and they hold their value incredibly well. Plus, there is nothing like the thrill of the final minutes of an auction to get the heart racing! It’s like a sport, but at the end, you get a beautiful new treasure for your home. The rich Blue-Green/Teal, sleek Cobalt Blue, and earthy Mocha colors are a big part of what makes these pieces so hard to resist.
Collecting Tips: Look for the Mark
When you are browsing our listings, we always try to show you the bottom of the piece. Why? Because that’s where the secrets are! Most BMP pieces from the "bestiary" will have the "BMP CANADA" mark stamped or molded into the red clay base.
That said…. not all items are marked. Many pieces originally had a sticker instead, and over the years those stickers were often removed or just fell off.
Sometimes, especially on the smaller animals, the mark can be a bit faint or covered by the glaze. But don’t worry…. that’s where our expertise comes in! We carefully inspect every item to make sure it’s the real deal so you can bid with confidence.
And remember, if you see something you love, don't wait! These pieces are more popular now than they’ve been in years. People are rediscovering the beauty of Canadian craftsmanship, and the demand is through the roof.
What's Up Next at Funky Junk?
Spring is finally here (honest…. we saw a robin yesterday!), and we are celebrating with some of our biggest auctions of the year. We make it super easy for you to get your winnings. Once the auction closes and you’ve secured your treasures, you can head over to our website to book your scheduled curbside pickup. It’s quick, it’s safe, and we love seeing your smiling faces when we bring your goodies out to the car!
So, are you ready to start your own BMP bestiary? Head over to our auction page right now and see what’s waiting for you. You might just find that one special piece that starts a lifelong obsession….
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 5: The Collector’s Hunt: <BLOG_POST:14e9224f-2daf-47ef-a7de-8ef1f1f8b85c>
- Part 6: Caring for Your Collection: <BLOG_POST:7bf753a5-e66b-46b9-8ade-2d006769d5c6>
Team Funky
