Corelle Profile: Wildflower (1978)

In 1977 Wildflower was launched as a standard Corning Ware pattern, and the popular design made the transition to the Corelle Expressions line in 1978.  Similar to other Expressions patterns, bowls & saucers are decorated only with a green band, and platters have a central pattern but no band on the rim.  Wildflower's closed-handle cups, creamers and sugar bowls are made of Centura.

Wildflower side plate, cup & saucer.  Cup is made of Centura.

In Corning Ware, there is a huge number of items available since it was one of the three standard patterns of the 1970s & 1980s, along with Blue Cornflower and Spice O' Life.  Regular square Corning Ware shapes were made in sizes ranging from 1¾ cup Petite Pans to 5 Qt casseroles.  Other pieces include square baking pans, roasters, Menu-ette sets, Fast Food dishes, Grab-Its, Rangetoppers, Counter Savers, teapots, white-spout percolators and drip coffee makers. 

(Photo: Wildflower Corning Ware.  Image from 1981 catalogue.)
       
Wildflower Corelle was discontinued early 1986 when the Expressions product line was dropped, and 1985 seems to be the final year of production for the Corning Ware version.

Before Corning Ware & Corelle, the Wildflower decoration first appeared on Centura Tableware in early 1977, but it was named Spring Bouquet instead.  This version of the pattern was very short-lived since the entire Centura product line was dropped that same year.  All variations were the work of artist Estelle Rothstein.  In Pyrex Ware, certain parts of Wildflower's design became Shenandoah, launched in 1982.

Wildflower platter.

Although it is not mandatory that pattern names be registered trademarks, the name Wildflower was registered in Australia for Corning Ware cookware.  Applications were filed in Canada for cookware and dinnerware with the Wildflower name, but for some reason these did not progress to the registration stage.  Subsequent Canadian applications were made for the name Springflowers instead, and this name was registered successfully.  So it is possible to find Wildflower items in original packaging bearing the name Springflowers, but the pattern itself is the same as usual.  In the United States the Wildflower name was an unregistered trademark, designated by ™ rather than ®.

Springflowers Corning Ware, image from original box.

(Photo below right: Luncheon plate.)

Corelle Dinnerware:

Dinner Plate (10¼")
Luncheon Plate (8½")
Side Plate (6¾")
Saucer (6¼") *

Expressions Centura Cup (8 oz) 
Expressions Centura Cream & Sugar

Dessert Bowl (10 oz, 5-3/8") *
Soup/Cereal Bowl (18 oz, 6¼") *
Flat Rim Soup Plate (8½")

1 Qt Serving Bowl (8½") *
2 Qt Serving Bowl (10¼") *
Oval Platter (12½")

* - lime green band (also match Meadow, Strawberry Sunday, Sunshine, Honeydew)

Store ‘N’ See Canisters:
A wide selection of clear Pyrex containers with patterned lids was made for Wildflower.

¾ cup Canister
¾ cup Salt & Pepper Shakers
1 pint Canister
1 Qt Canister
1½ Qt Canister
2½ Qt Canister
85 oz Pasta Keeper

Others:
Manufacturers other than Corning produced their own versions of Wildflower.  The majority of these are unofficial products and close comparison with the genuine Corelle pattern will reveal variations in the design. 

Gemco and Dominion Glass made look-alikes of this pattern.  Gemco's items are confined to just two shapes in clear glass with patterned tops.

Cheinco Housewares produced metal kitchenware and tins.

A variety of glassware, even stemware, was made by Libbey, as well as other manufacturers.  Official glassware was available during the early 1980s.

One example of an electric warming tray has been noted, but nothing else is known about it. 

Quilted fabric kitchen accessories like pot holders and appliance covers seem to be officially licensed products with Corning's name printed on them.
  
(Photo: Corning Ware P-150 Grab-It, 15 oz)


Related Articles:

Cup Styles: Expressions Cup
Pattern List: Soup Plates 
Plate Styles: Coupe
Pyrex Profile: Store 'N' See Canisters
1981 Catalogue: Expressions Livingware 
1981 Brochure: Corelle in Britain 
Corning Ware Teapots
Corning Ware P-4 Covered Baking Dish 
Corning Ware Fast Food Dishes
Corning Ware Petite Pans
Corning Ware Grab-Its, Sidekicks, etc.
Extra Photos: Corning Ware 
Centura Tableware Profiles
Centura Gallery: Spring Bouquet
Pyrex Profile: Shenandoah
Compare Wildflower & Shenandoah
Who designed the patterns?
What was Corning Glass Works of Canada?
What is Centura?
Isn't that date incorrect?

NEXT Expressions Profile.