Belle Kogan, a New York-based industrial designer, received her first Red Wing commission in 1938 to design 150 pieces. From these pieces, Red Wing chose 100 pieces known as the “Belle Kogan 100.” She was the founder and longtime chairperson of the New York Chapter of the Industrial Designers’ Institute. The “Belle Kogan 100” line featured new shapes, colors, and designs. Following the success of these pieces, Kogan created the “Terra-Craft” pottery line in 1939. This 14 piece line featured classic lines and appeared to be hand-thrown when they were actually slip-cast molded. In 1940, Kogan’s “Magnolia Line” with 24 pieces was released. This line included candlesticks, console bowls, and vases molded with magnolia blossoms in relief. They were produced with an ivory glaze with an antiqued matte brown, green, or oxblood detailing.
Charles Murphy – Red Wing in the 1940’s
In 1940, Charles Murphy was hired as design director. He first focused on new hand-painted dinnerware designs. He held night classes to find the best
