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Porsche and Heath Ceramics

Understated and Excellent

Porsche, long the arbiter timeless automotive design, has recently taken it upon themselves to seek out timeless design in other form factors. In this case they sat down to speak with the people behind California’s Heath Ceramics, a company founded in 1948 and resurrected in 2003, about what they think makes for long-lasting design.

Heath Ceramics is one of the only mid-century ceramics companies left in America, and they make a habit out of introducing beautifully nuanced and understated pieces to the public. They craft everything from ceramic tile and dishware, to ceramic clocks and candleholders in their two factories. They have retail stores in the Bay Area and Los Angeles.

Ferry Porsche’s ideas on design are deeply etched into the minds of many industrial designers, and held in similar regard to those of Dieter Rams. Their system of incremental change has helped cement the 911’s place as the prototypical sports car, instantly recognizable to almost anyone. Their Porsche Design firm, separate from the car company but run by members of the family, has its own long legacy of creating thoughtful pieces, most notably watches, pens, and eyeware.

This video, produced in conjunction with design magazine Dwell, is a great peek behind the curtain at what makes companies like Heath so special, but also reinforces the idea that we are living in another golden age of design. Please, enjoy!

Photos courtesy of Heath Ceramics.

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