Steven and I have spent plenty of time tracking the unique kitchenware used in Twin Peaks, like the airbrushed Syracuse china from the Blue Pine Lodge and the vintage Fire-King mugs at the Sheriff station. However, an unassuming white mug that appears in the Great Northern’s dining hall might be one of the show’s most frequently used designs.
ENHANCEMENTS WHITE MUG
These fluted swirl mugs and their matching dishes were part of a line called “Enhancements” designed by ceramic and glassware manufacturer Corning Inc.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF CORNING INC.
Corning was founded in Somerville, MA in 1851 by Amory Houghton and was originally known as Bay State Glass Company. The name was changed to Brooklyn Flint Glass Company when production moved to New York, and then Corning Glass Works they finally settled in the city of Corning in 1868.
Corning has had a remarkably varied output throughout their 170 year history. They pioneered industrial research labs in the early 1900s, developed toughened glass for automobile windshields in the 1960s, and more recently developed Gorilla Glass, the material used to make iPhone screens. Now a Fortune 500 company, Corning’s reach obviously goes far beyond the mugs used in a television series.
As for kitchenware, several major brands started out as Corning subsidiaries producing their designs, including household names like Pyrex and Corelle. Corelle has produced variations of the “Enhancements” series since at least 1995.
ENHANCEMENTS WHITE MUG APPEARANCES IN TWIN PEAKS
In Twin Peaks, we first see this design in episode 2.002 as Albert Rosenfield briefs Agent Cooper over breakfast.
Cooper lifts his coffee cup and gives us a good look.
If you look closely at the other tables, the whole dining room is set with “Enhancements” products. A clear shot of Mr. Lee’s mug confirms it.
In episode 2006, “Enhancements” cups and plates are clearly visible as Benjamin Horne discusses business with Mr. Tojamura.
We return to the dining hall in episode 2.011 for the Milford wedding reception. Cooper sips from a swirl mug while speaking with Denise Bryson.
Here’s the sip from another angle.
John Justice Wheeler dines with the Hornes by the fireplace in episode 2016.
Three “Enhancements” cups and plates sit on the table.
These cups apparently lend themselves to sipping closeups.
Lastly, the Great Northern uses their “Enhancements” dinnerware at the pine weasel riot…er, banquet.
It may not be the most eye-catching kitchenware featured in Twin Peaks, but it is certainly the largest and most frequently used uniform set in the series.
