heath journal
Gathered: Herman Miller · Heath Ceramics
Throughout Heath’s history, we’ve been lucky enough to partner with a long list of visionary makers: House Industries, Artek, Stan Bitters, Alice Waters, Commune Design, Natalie Chanin... Still, collaborating with Herman Miller feels like a new frontier: two longstanding American design leaders diving into their respective archives, sharing ideas and inspirations, and creating something true to both—yet fresh, unexpected, and exciting. Introducing Gathered, a limited run of new dinnerware highlighting the shared history, expertise, and enduring passion for good design of Heath Ceramics and Herman Miller.
We suspect our collaborator requires no introduction, but just in case... Founded as a furniture manufacturer in Zeeland, Michigan in 1905, Herman Miller steadily emerged as one of the most widely recognized and celebrated design firms in the world. Throughout the 20th century, many renowned designers contributed to Herman Miller’s catalog of iconic, instantly recognizable pieces—many of which are still in production today.
Because both Heath and Herman Miller are blessed with extensive historical archives—decades and decades of iterative design work, experiments, retired products, etc.—we began there. While visiting Herman Miller’s team in Michigan, we immersed ourselves in the work of their legendary textiles division, which famously broke from “safe,” conventional color theory in pursuit of tension, surprise, and emotional resonance. Inspired by these innovations, the Gathered palette pulls from different Heath eras and projects to embrace the unexpected: warm meets cool, glossy meets matte, and tonal yellows and neutrals are punctuated by bolder shades, including two all-new glazes: Pesto and Blossom.
Because both Heath and Herman Miller are blessed with extensive historical archives—decades and decades of iterative design work, experiments, retired products, etc.—we began there. While visiting Herman Miller’s team in Michigan, we immersed ourselves in the work of their legendary textiles division, which famously broke from “safe,” conventional color theory in pursuit of tension, surprise, and emotional resonance. Inspired by these innovations, the Gathered palette pulls from different Heath eras and projects to embrace the unexpected: warm meets cool, glossy meets matte, and tonal yellows and neutrals are punctuated by bolder shades, including two all-new glazes: Pesto and Blossom.
Another archival inspiration: the Coupe Soup Bowl/Salad Plate, an Edith-designed piece that—despite its utility and simple beauty—was discontinued in 1957. Building upon the original design, we created a new shape: the Coupe Dinner Bowl. While you’re no doubt familiar with the bowl/plate hybrid concept, Heath’s design features a gentler profile (and smaller base) that lends this versatile shape a surprising elegance and lightness in the hand.* Alongside Coupe staples like the Dessert Bowl, Dinner Plate, and Serving Platter, the assortment is rounded out by the beloved Studio Mug in four tonal yellows: Lemon Rind, Turmeric, Sunflower Gloss, and Yuzu.
*While these collaborative glazes won’t be around forever, we loved the new Dinner Bowl so much that we’re adding it to the permanent Coupe lineup—stay tuned for updates!
*While these collaborative glazes won’t be around forever, we loved the new Dinner Bowl so much that we’re adding it to the permanent Coupe lineup—stay tuned for updates!
At its core, Gathered is a celebration of Heath and Herman Miller’s parallel legacies as American makers—and a testament to the shared values that have always driven our work: thoughtful design, impeccable craftsmanship, and fidelity to our materials. The resulting lineup—seven essential shapes in nine stunning glazes—is a splendid showcase of color, form, clay, and glaze. Working with Herman Miller to create something unexpected and beautiful has been an honor and an inspiration. We hope that you’re inspired, too—to explore new possibilities with table settings, to experiment with mixing and matching, and to embrace the joy of color as you cook, serve, and eat.
