Heath Ceramics Celebrates 78 Years of Timeless Design in Sausalito

The iconic ceramics company founded by Edith and Brian Heath continues to thrive under new ownership.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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In 1948, Edith and Brian Heath founded Heath Ceramics in Sausalito, California to keep up with demand for their simple yet elegant tableware. The company has since become renowned for its mid-century modern ceramics, architectural tiles, and commitment to local production. After the Heaths' passing, the business was sold to a new husband-and-wife team, Catherine Bailey and Robin Petravic, who have continued Heath Ceramics' legacy while expanding the brand's reach.

Why it matters

Heath Ceramics has remained a fixture in the Sausalito community for over 75 years, weathering economic ups and downs while staying true to its mission of producing high-quality, design-forward ceramics. The company's longevity and continued success under new ownership highlights the enduring appeal of its timeless aesthetic and the value of maintaining local manufacturing.

The details

Edith Heath, a ceramicist, and her husband Brian founded Heath Ceramics in 1948 after moving their studio from San Francisco to Sausalito. They replaced the potter's wheel with jigger machines to increase production and meet growing retail demand. In 1959, the company built a mid-century modern factory on Gate 5 Road in Sausalito's Marinship district, which remains the primary production facility today. Over the decades, Heath Ceramics expanded into architectural tiles and gained recognition, with Edith Heath receiving the prestigious Industrial Arts Medal from the American Institute of Architects in 1971.

  • Heath Ceramics was founded in 1948.
  • The company's current factory in Sausalito was built in 1959.
  • Edith Heath received the Industrial Arts Medal in 1971.
  • Brian Heath passed away in 2001, and Edith Heath in 2005.
  • Catherine Bailey and Robin Petravic purchased Heath Ceramics in 2003, two years before Edith Heath's death.

The players

Edith Heath

The ceramicist who co-founded Heath Ceramics and served as the driving creative force behind the company, constantly testing materials and developing new designs.

Brian Heath

The husband of Edith Heath who co-founded Heath Ceramics and managed the business side of the company.

Catherine Bailey

The current co-owner of Heath Ceramics, who purchased the company with her husband Robin Petravic in 2003.

Robin Petravic

The current co-owner of Heath Ceramics, who purchased the company with his wife Catherine Bailey in 2003.

Winnie Crittenden

A master glazer who has worked at Heath Ceramics for 51 years and formulates the company's signature glazes.

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What they’re saying

“Edith's aesthetic sensibility, material curiosity and perceptive design instincts produced original, functional products rooted in place.”

— Catherine Bailey, Co-owner, Heath Ceramics (pacificsun.com)

“As you walk through the factory, you'll notice everything is built on a human scale, not machine scale. Edith really wanted the machine to be an extension of the artist's arm.”

— Marissa Schow, Tour guide, Heath Ceramics (pacificsun.com)

What’s next

Heath Ceramics plans to continue expanding its retail presence while maintaining its commitment to local production and the Sausalito community. The company is also exploring ways to address the long-term risks posed by rising sea levels and flooding at its bayside factory.

The takeaway

Heath Ceramics' enduring success over the past 78 years demonstrates the power of staying true to one's design vision and values, even as the business and market landscape evolves. The company's story is a testament to the lasting appeal of timeless, functional ceramics crafted with care and attention to detail.