Pattern Profile:
April, Blue Heather, Indian Summer, Meadow (1977)

Corelle Livingware took a vibrant turn in 1977 with the launch of the Expressions product line.  These four new patterns featured multi-coloured designs on the centre of the plate accented with coloured bands on the rim.  Bowls and saucers were decorated only with the matching band, and conversely, the platters have a central pattern but no band.  The new closed-handle cups, creamers and sugar bowls were made of Centura. 

Rather than Pyrex Compatibles, Corning Ware was made to co-ordinate with these initial Expressions patterns, and the ‘Designer’ casseroles have an interesting shape.  Made in 1½ Qt and 2½ Qt sizes, they are quite rounded, almost oval, and are flared at the top.  They are reminiscent of certain French White casseroles, but with tab handles and smooth sides.  Teapots in the usual 6-cup size and shape were also available for all four patterns.  The Corning Ware items were available for approximately 2 years.

Meadow Bread & Butter Plate, Expressions Centura Cream & Sugar set.

April was discontinued July 1979, and was apparently replaced by Batik.  Blue Heather was discontinued late 1981 or early 1982.  Indian Summer and Meadow were available until mid-1986 when the entire Expressions product line was dropped.  The designer of Meadow is Patricia Luzier, and Indian Summer was designed by Cynthia Gerow.

Corelle Dinnerware:

Dinner Plate (10¼")
Luncheon Plate (8½")
Bread & Butter Plate (6¾")
Saucer (6¼") *

Centura Tableware Cup (7 oz)
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")

* - coloured band:
April = yellow;  Blue Heather = blue;  Indian Summer = med. rust brown;  Meadow = lime green.

‡ - possibly only for Indian Summer.

Discrepancies:
There is a second type of Centura cup which has been noted in all four initial Expressions patterns.  This 7 oz cup is the same straight-sided style as the cups included with many Centura Tableware sets during the 1970s, but the cups in question have the Corelle brand on the stamp.  They most likely date from the test marketing phase which occurred prior to the official launch of Expressions.

Store ‘N’ See Canisters:
Clear Pyrex containers with Indian Summer patterned lids appear to be made in 4 sizes:  

1 pint Canister
1 Qt Canister
1½ Qt Canister
2½ Qt Canister

There is no evidence that the other three patterns were ever included in this product line.

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

Most notable among these companies, Gemco produced many popular tabletop accessories in their ‘Matchables’ product line with their own versions of Meadow ('Spring') and Indian Summer (‘Autumn’). 

James Bradley & Assoc., with their Glassmates brand, sold opal pedestal mugs with designs based on Blue Heather and Indian Summer. 

A variety of glassware, even stemware, was made by unknown makers with Meadow and Indian Summer decoration. 

Please see the 'Other Manufacturers' menu at the left side of this page.

Related Articles:

Expressions Cup (1977)
Soup Plate Pattern List
Plate Styles: Coupe
Pyrex Store 'N' See Canisters
Corelle In Britain 
Centura Tableware (1972) 

NEXT Expressions Profile.