Corning Ware Profile: French Bisque (1982); French Bleu (1983)

From its introduction in the late 1970s, French White Corning Ware had been offered only in plain white.  In 1982, French Bisque became the first coloured embellishment to appear on these shapes.  Advertising stated: "looks like fine crockery ... acts like Corning Ware cookware."

French Bisque has a solid pale beige background with brown speckles and brown shading at the rim.  The Corning Ware itself is still white, and the colour is confined to the exterior surface.  Not all items have lids, but those that do were equipped with clear brown Fireside tinted Pyrex lids.  French Bisque was discontinued early 1985.

French Bisque F-2, 2.8 L or 2½ Qt.

Another colour, French Bleu, joined the product line in late 1983.  It was described as a subtle blue-grey hue, and it doesn't seem to have any speckles.  This colour came with ordinary clear Pyrex lids.  French Bleu was still on the market in 1984, but otherwise it seems to be short-lived.  It is not clear how many shapes & sizes of cookware were offered in this colour, so far only two are confirmed.

All known French Bisque shapes & sizes are listed, there might be others too.

F-16 = 16 oz open round (500 ml)

F-5 = 1½ Qt covered round (1.6 L)

F-1 = 2½ Qt covered round (2.5 L) *

F-3 = 10" pie plate / quiche pan (24 cm) *

F-12 = 1½ Qt covered deep oval (1.8 L)

F-2 = 2½ Qt covered deep oval (2.8 L)

F-4 = 2½ Qt open shallow oval (2.5 L)

F-21 = 4½ Qt open roaster (4.5 L)

* - Also available in French Bleu.

Small round F-16s were included in a large set along with other casseroles, and it is possible that they were not sold individually.  An F-4 open oval is shallow with a larger diameter than a covered oval F-2, but with a comparable capacity.

Close-up of F-2.  Only the exterior is coloured, the glass-ceramic is not tinted.
             
An unusual accessory was also offered in French Bleu.  A Sculptured Hurricandle is a type of candle-holder topped by a clear Pyrex globe or chimney.  Colour choices for the base were French White and French Bleu.  This item was not discontinued until early 1985, remaining available after French Bleu cookware had disappeared.

(Photo: French White Sculptured Hurricandle, also available in French Bleu.  Image from 1985 catalogue.)

Visit Replacements Ltd. for a photo of French Bleu Corning Ware.


Related Articles:

Corning Ware Designer Casseroles (1977)
Corning Ware Classic Black (1990)
Corning Ware Delicious (1992)
Tinted Pyrex: Fireside, Cranberry, etc.