In the second season of Twin Peaks, the set of the Blue Pine Lodge sees a bit more action than before with several interlocking stories playing out on the premises. The props on this set also get more use, and we get a look at the household’s regular tableware in episodes 2.012 and 2.016.
IDENTIFYING SYRACUSE CHINA IN BLUE PINE LODGE
The blue and white airbrushed set featuring an oak leaf design was made by New York-based Syracuse China.
The design featured in Twin Peaks was called “Oakleigh” and was introduced in the 1950s. Though it was produced in various colors, blue appears to be most common.
SYRACUSE CHINA COMPANY HISTORY
The company was borne of a struggling local stoneware operation founded in 1841 by W.H. Farrar. Farrar sold his business in 1868 to a group of businessmen who formed the Empire Crockery Manufacturing Company, helmed by English potter Lyman Clark. Clark stayed aboard when Onondaga Pottery Company (O.P. Co.) took over in 1871 and continued the expansion of its line.
Though named after both the county and the region’s native tribe, Onondaga Pottery Company stamped its products with an English coat of arms until 1873. Through several changes in leadership, the company phased out all references to England and adopted the Syracuse name in 1895. Syracuse China was a mainstay in the industry for well over a century, ceasing production in 2009.
In Twin Peaks, we sometimes see uniformity in drinkware, but it is rare that we see full matching sets of china. The Blue Pine Lodge makes use of matching Oakleigh cups, saucers, and full sized plates.
APPEARANCES OF SYRACUSE CHINA IN TWIN PEAKS
The first appearance of this tableware is in episode 2.012 when Catherine and Pete Martell are having breakfast.
You get a better look at the place settings in this shot with Pete making a toast.
The plate returns in episode 2.016 when Pete Martell presents the very-much-alive Andrew Packard with his breakfast.
Catherine is unamused at Pete and Andrew’s silliness.
Later on, a cup and saucer return as Catherine enjoys after-dinner coffee.
She raises her cup as she waits for her husband to answer the door.
Catherine’s cup is on a BREAD AND BUTTER PLATE, not a saucer. I collected these as a TP fan.