Pattern 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 and saucers are decorated only with a green band and platters have a central pattern but no band.  Wildflower's closed-handle cups, creamers and sugar bowls are made of Centura.

Wildflower side plate, cup & saucer.  The 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: Image from 1981 catalogue.)
       
Wildflower Corelle was discontinued early 1986 along with the rest of the Expressions line, and 1985 appears 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 disappeared that same year.  All variations of the design are the work of artist Estelle Rothstein.

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 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. 

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

Some quilted fabric kitchen accessories like pot holders and appliance covers exist, and they appear to be officially licensed products with the Corning name printed on them.
  
(Photo: P-150 Grab-It, 15 oz)


Related Articles:

Expressions Cup (1977)
Soup Plate Pattern List
Plate Styles: Coupe
Pyrex Store 'N' See Canisters
1981 Catalogue
Corelle In Britain
Compare Wildflower & Shenandoah
Corning Ware Teapots
Corning Ware P-4 Casserole
Corning Ware Fast Food Dishes
Corning Ware Petite Pans
Corning Ware Grab-Its, Sidekicks, etc.
Corning Ware: Extra Photos
Centura Tableware Profiles
Centura Gallery: Spring Bouquet (1977)
Who designed the patterns?
What was Corning Glass Works of Canada?
What is Centura?

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