Cranberry Pottery of Powell River, BC closed its doors on April 12, 2014. The pottery was in production for 40 years at which time the owners made the decision to retire. The company produced handcrafted porcelain-like stoneware pottery; they were known for their functional production pottery in five main patterns. They produced full lines of hand decorated dinnerware, accessories, teapots, serving dishes and ovenproof bakeware. As well, special designs evolved over the years, such as Crocus,Tulip, Sunflower, Bouquet, and Thistle patterns. In past years the shop showcased special projects and interpretive work by particular artists, such as unique patterns, and functional, but unusual, pottery pieces.
Production Dates: 1974 – 2014 (Official closing date: Dec 31, 2013; doors officially closed after the last order was filled on April 12, 2014)
Location: 6729 Cranberry Street, Powell River, BC
Second location: For three years there was a subsidiary shop in Campbell River which produced a brighter ‘Cone 2’ earthenware pottery in pinks, blues and yellows. The potters were Tracy Fleming, Carol Bieber, Laurie Shilleto, Aimee Dupont and Lori Porter.
Owners: Carol Bieber, Mark Cunningham (1974-1982); Lin Morrison became part owner in later years.
Potters:
Carol Bieber 1975 – 2014
Mark Cuningham 1975 – 1982
Caryl Lyons 1979-1989 [unverified]
Lin Morrison 1980 – 2014
Lu Wuthrich 1987 – 1991
Myrtle Cunningham 1980 – 1985
Pam Begbie 1987 – 2010
Claire Heffernan 1982; 1987
Deb Lesuk 1988 – 1995
Mary Anne Grantham 1988
Alex Graham 1989 – 2005
Dawn Swanson 1989 – 1991
Penny Coyle 1992 – 1993
Adrienne Robillard 1993 – 1994
Claudette Sarrazin 1995 – 2014
Charlene Price 1996 – 2000
Tracy Fleming 1996 -1997
Alison Sawyer 2005
Terry Reiben 2006 – 2010
Tyler McCulloch 2011 – 2014
Pamela Mathews 2009 – 2014
“Almost all the pottery pieces were done by an individual potter, with their personal stamp in addition to the Cranberry Pottery stamp on the bottom of pots. In about 1990 dates were added to the bottom of pots, e.g., 91 for 1991, and 00 for 2000. The glazing, however, was a group effort and all potters were encouraged to develop the necessary skills. Over the years new designs were developed, and old ones dropped as tastes and materials changed, and the clay body eventually morphed to almost white stoneware. All surface decoration was hand painted and all designs were unique to Cranberry Pottery. However it should be noted that almost all employees were trained to be full-fledged potters, not just skilled in one area. Everyone made pots, glazed, shared in kiln loading both bisque and the fuel fired Cone 10 car kilns, and worked in the sales area as well.
For a variety of reasons, various production methods were used, not just throwing on the potter’s wheel. Castware was initiated because a non-porous porcelain clay was required for vases; extruded pieces were needed for hand built rectangular casseroles; jiggered ware made for matching dinnerware, and was much easier on aging bodies. All molds and all designs were produced in house.” (Carol Bieber)
Materials: brown spotty stoneware clay, matte & high gloss glazes
Glazes & Patterns:
Five main patterns were produced with over 100 items in stock of these patterns:
Blackberry pattern
- Cranberry – cranberries with blue & green leaves
- Blue Leaf line – blue leaves on cream-coloured background
- Blackberry – blackberries with blackberry bramble leaves
- Grass Iris – Irises with yellow leaf spears
- Tiger Eye – abstract shapes in amber, tans & browns
Below are a few of the special patterns available as limited stock or by order:
- Coast Collection – landscape in greens, blues, greys reflecting the BC coast
- Tapestry (Earthenware)
- Heron – Heron in cattails
- Fish Design
- Dragonfly pattern
- Bamboo
- Bouquet, Tulip, Crocus, Sunflower, Thistle
- Kid Set (boats, trains, dinosaurs, teddy bears)
Marks:
impressed script
- script: [in clay]
ink script (M 1992)
- Cranberry [signed & dated]
- Cranberry Pottery [in ink under glaze]
Additional resources:
Carol Bieber, co-owner and potter, has provided more in depth information on the history of the pottery, potters, and patterns. Check it out… 2014 Cranberry Pottery History (by Carol Bieber)
For a limited time only, the Cranberry Pottery website has information and the latest catalogue available – this has been the main source of my information.
I love my Heron and cattails pottery and wondered if by chance any one could put me in touch with the artist or know were I may purchase some dinner place settings.. I have the serving and fish platter, cups tea sets cream and sugar vases …all bought in port hardy bc area…
all were gifts and i treasure them ….
Peggy, Cranberry Pottery has been closed for several years now, and the ceramicists are no longer making pieces. The only way to purchase more of this pattern is to keep checking the second-hand markets. It is a special thing to have as many pieces as you do. Cherish them.
Maria
I have a hand soap dish and soap dispenser in their Iris pattern from 1989 – Looks like L (kind of like a V almost and an M… maybe Lin Morrison? I love this set and have used it for 30 years now. Also have a little dish (ramkin size) with a Christmas holly pattern and a little pot with a lid on it that were gifts from my sister who lived for a time in Powell River. I am happy to see that CRANBERRY POTTERY history is on line hopefully for many years to come. I plan on gifting my set to my daughter in Australia who is moving into a 4 bathroom home and says she will need it! Steel grey and blue fit in with her decor! There is a CRANBERRY POTTERY imprint on the soap dispenser so there will be a little bit of Cranberry Pottery in Gymea Bay (Sydney) Australia!
I love that you are passing favourite pieces down through the family.
Maria
I am searching for some more cranberry plates… any suggestions ?
Because the pottery is closed, there will be no new pieces made for sale. Keep looking online – that’s really all you can do. It is possible someone coming to this website will have some pieces, so keep checking back. Maria.
I recently broke a small vase blackberry pottery than I bought in Powell River. I live in Kelowna BC and looked online and realize your store is closed. Is there any way I can buy that same vase? I sure liked it a lot, rosalie Rapp
Rosalie, I am actually not affiliated with this company – this website is about research (and comments) only. The Cranberry Pottery company is no longer in production, so the second-hand market is the only place you may be able to find pieces in any of the patterns. Search online marketplaces – ebay, Etsy, and so on. Sorry I cannot help. Maria.
Hello – I am looking to replace my tulip vase – can you help me locate a vase in the tulip design? Thank You, Jody
Jody, Cranberry Pottery’s Tulip design is a rather rare pattern. As the Cranberry Pottery company is no longer in production, the second-hand market is the only place you may be able to find a vase in that pattern. I would suggest you keep searching online marketplaces for a vase – ebay, Etsy, and so on. Sorry I cannot help. Maria.
Hello,
Over 20 years ago I purchased as a blackberry pattern of a spoon ladle holder but has broken. I miss it dearly. Do you still make that product? I would like to have another one if possible. Thank you.
Judy McKinney
Judy, this website is dedicated to research about Canadian Pottery and is not affiliated with any one pottery company. Cranberry Pottery is no longer in production. The only way to acquire pieces of Cranberry Pottery is through online sales or possibly from viewers on this site – someone may respond to you if they have the pattern you are looking for. Thank you for your comment. Maria
Request to purchase cranberry pottery pattern Cranberry. If you have pieces please contact me please. Thanks Kim
I actually have 4 mugs and a tea pot in the cranberry pattern
How lovely!
Post from Kim Anderson: Cranberry Pottery Place Settings
I was very hopeful that I could still locate this pottery to add to my existing collection. Please let me know.
NOTE: This pottery has closed, but if anyone can help Kim with her request, get in touch. Maria
I am selling a large collection of the cranberry design which is mostly unused. There are 18 pieces including 3 large platters, a large bowl, a jug and a covered casserole. Anyone interested?
Kathie, Kim Anderson is interested in Cranberry pattern pieces. Are you still interested in selling?
Maria
I am also interested in the blackberry design, mugs and small plates. Do you have any of those?
Heather
Kathie. Yes I am interested in purchasing the cranberry pieces if you still have them. I just received the note today. Thanks Kim.
Kiminvanc@gmail.com
Kathie do you have any pieces of cranberry pottery available?
Thank you,
Sharon
Hi. Just saw this website. Four some reason my name is missing from the list of potters.
I produced pots at cranberry pottery from 1979 to 1989.
You can check with Carol Bieber on this.
Thanks
Caryl Lyons
Caryl, the list of potters was sent to me by Carol Bieber – she must have missed adding your name. It isn’t possible to check with her at this time, but I will add your name to the list, with ‘unverified’, in the hope she will get back to me soon. Thank you for contacting me. Maria.
I’m interested in the blackberry pattern sink bowl. From Cranberry pottery in Powell River
Any chance?
Hi Jill. It is possible someone viewing this page has what you are looking for and is willing to sell. I do not personally have one for sale at this time. Keep checking back for any info on your request. Thanks, Maria
Am interestd in more of the coast pattern
Jean, I do not personally have any, so let’s hope someone out there has some items in the Cranberry Pottery Coast pattern for you. Maria
From Linda — ‘Grass Iris’ pattern
I have been buying this dinnerware for many years I have most pieces available I would like to know if its possible to get some replacements small side plates mugs dinner plates.
Hi Linda,
My website is focused on Research only. The pottery itself is no longer operational (see Cranberry Pottery page) and any replacement dishes will only be available thru secondary markets online. NOTE: If anyone has pieces they wish to show Linda, please reply here.
Thanks,
Maria
From W. Nelson —
I have quite a few things of your blackberry series, but just recently broke my sugar bowl. It was a lidded one with a hole for the spoon. Do you still make it??? And if so, can I order it and have it shipped?
This is a research site on Canadian pottery only – I have no affiliation with the Cranberry Pottery. The pottery was officially closed in 2014, so it is unlikely that you’ll be able to get one custom made for you. However, you may be able to purchase a used one by looking for it online. Good luck with your search.
Aloha, I just purchased from the Salvation Army ($2.50) a plate/platter 16 inches in diameter that is signed Cranberry Pottery with some initials. I can’t make them out. There is no date. So, according to what is stated above, it must be pre 1990. Would you mind telling me what you might know about this piece. The colors are so vibrant! It really is a work of art.
What a beautiful platter! It is not one of the basic 5 patterns made by this pottery, so it would most likely have been a custom order [see the link above for 2014 Cranberry Pottery History by Carol] What a find – certainly a work of art!
Maria
I’m looking for any of the blue heron design if anyone has any. Thanks in advance.
Hi Brian. I personally do not have any pieces in this pattern. Maybe someone else will have something and will get in touch. Good luck! Maria.
What is the value of dinner plates, mugs,bowls,napkin holder,mixing bowl ect? I have a few pieces of the blue leaf pattern from the 90’s and don’t know price to ask.
Hi Lisa. I’m sorry it took so long to reply – we had a tragedy in our family and I’m only just now getting back to posting. This site does not provide valuations, but it is possible someone out there would be interesting in making you an offer. Please send photos and I’ll see about getting them posted here. Thank you, Maria.
Hi Lisa,
I know this was old, but if you still have the blue leaf pottery please let me know. I was too young to purchase but my only piece is a blue leaf baking dish and would love to have the collection as an adult now 🙂
I would love to get another blackberry platter(s)
Just love the pattern! Or any other pieces if you are willing to part with them.
Marilyn, I do not have a platter, but maybe a viewer out there will have one. Good luck in your search. Maria
I’m looking for a berry bowl in the blackberry pattern. About 8″ diameter.
Hi Stella. Let’s hope someone out there has one for you. Good luck in your search!
Maria
Still looking for berry bowl blackberry pattern about 8″.
Hi Stella. I hope you get someone to reply soon. I haven’t personally come across one. Maria.
Beautiful set! How many settings (#plates, bowls etc.)?
Heather
Hi Heather. I believe you can reply directly to Bill by clicking on the ‘Reply’ button on the Craigslist posting (see link URL). It would be best if you contacted him directly for information.
Maria
Hi There!
I am looking for Blackberry style mugs and cups. Please contact me if you have any pieces.
Heather
Hi Heather,
I do not have any mugs of this pattern. I will post your comment and others may respond.
Thanks for your inquiry,
Maria
looking for blue leaf pieces
Alison, I hope you get a positive response from viewers. At the moment I’m not willing to sell my 2 pieces – they were a gift from a friend. Good luck in your search. Maria.
I have this set. Not the full set
We have a set of cranberry pottery on craigslist , no mugs/cups/saucers though
Have a look:
http://comoxvalley.craigslist.ca/hsh/5304292060.html
Good luck on the sale.
Maria
HI, I HAVE A PLANTER ,small with base in that blue leaf pattern, in perfect condition, marked with the Cranberry potter stamp and CB for Carol Bieber the owner! My email is e.lehmann@sympatico.ca or call 5193529523, Thanks, Evelyn
Very nice Cranberry Pottery piece. Thank you for sharing it with us. Evelyn, be aware that your contact info is now public. If you’d like me to remove it, I can do so – just let me know. Maria