We Love…Vintage Pyrex

Before I fell in love with vintage home wares I had no idea how brilliant Pyrex was. To me it was simply clear glass dishes you put in the microwave that you bought from the supermarket. Then I discovered the pastel coloured casserole dishes with cute snowflakes on and I was hooked. What’s great is that if you like the 50s pretty look there’s styles for you with roses on but also if you prefer retro you can choose funky flowers or bright orange styles.

source

“At the start of the 20^th century the American company, Corning Incorporated, developed a new borosilicate glass which could withstand extreme temperatures.  Originally designed to be used in railway lanterns, they soon discovered that this glass would make great bake ware when one of the executive’s wives suggested it. It was branded Pyrex in 1915, a flan dish was launched and by selling licences to other countries to manufacture the material, this became one of the most successful kitchen brands in history.

In the UK, James A Jobling from Wear Flint Glass bought the licence and redesigned the look of the pieces to fit in with current trends. One of the most successful periods for JAL Pyrex was the 1950s with their coloured bakeware. Casserole dishes were made in pastel colours with clear lids and white snowflakes and flowers adorning the sides. Replacing old metal trays this new look made baking a pretty event which fitted in perfectly with all of the modern kitchenware.” (Style your modern vintage home” by moi)

We featured some in our book this year styled in a lovely yellow 1950s kitchen unit.

Photo by Simon Whitmore for David and Charles, Style Your Modern Vintage Home

Here are some more of our favourite styles available from Your Vintage Life. Would be great to hear which ones you love and see some of your collections too!