Twin Peaks Prop – Enhancements White Mug

Steven and I have spent plenty of time tracking the unique kitchenware used in Twin Peaks, like the airbrushed Syracuse china from the Blue Pine Lodge and the vintage Fire-King mugs at the Sheriff station. However, an unassuming white mug that appears in the Great Northern’s dining hall might be one of the show’s most frequently used designs.

ENHANCEMENTS WHITE MUG

Twin Peaks Prop - Enhancements White Mug

These fluted swirl mugs and their matching dishes were part of a line called “Enhancements” designed by ceramic and glassware manufacturer Corning Inc.

Twin Peaks Prop - Enhancements White Mug

A BRIEF HISTORY OF CORNING INC.

Amory Houghton
Amory Houghton

Corning was founded in Somerville, MA in 1851 by Amory Houghton and was originally known as Bay State Glass Company. The name was changed to Brooklyn Flint Glass Company when production moved to New York, and then Corning Glass Works they finally settled in the city of Corning in 1868.

Corning Glass Works factory
Corning Glass Works factory

Corning has had a remarkably varied output throughout their 170 year history. They pioneered industrial research labs in the early 1900s, developed toughened glass for automobile windshields in the 1960s, and more recently developed Gorilla Glass, the material used to make iPhone screens. Now a Fortune 500 company, Corning’s reach obviously goes far beyond the mugs used in a television series.

Corelle Dinnerware By Corning
Enhancements 3-Piece Set

As for kitchenware, several major brands started out as Corning subsidiaries producing their designs, including household names like Pyrex and Corelle. Corelle has produced variations of the “Enhancements” series since at least 1995.

ENHANCEMENTS WHITE MUG APPEARANCES IN TWIN PEAKS

Episode 2002 - Albert and Cooper
Episode 2002

In Twin Peaks, we first see this design in episode 2002 as Albert Rosenfield briefs Agent Cooper over breakfast.

Episode 2002 - Cooper at Breakfast
Episode 2002

Cooper lifts his coffee cup and gives us a good look.

Episode 2002 - Mr. Lee at Breakfast
Episode 2002

If you look closely at the other tables, the whole dining room is set with “Enhancements” products. A clear shot of Mr. Lee’s mug confirms it.

Episode 2006 - Mr. Tojamura and Ben Horne
Episode 2006

In episode 2006, “Enhancements” cups and plates are clearly visible as Benjamin Horne discusses business with Mr. Tojamura.

Episode 2011 - Dale Cooper
Episode 2011

We return to the dining hall in episode 2011 for the Milford wedding reception. Cooper sips from a swirl mug while speaking with Denise Bryson.

Episode 2011 - Dale Cooper and Denise Bryson
Episode 2011

Here’s the sip from another angle.

 Episode 2016 - John Justice Wheeler and The Hornes
Episode 2016

John Justice Wheeler dines with the Hornes by the fireplace in episode 2016.

Episode 2016 - Audrey Horne and John Justice Wheeler
Episode 2016

Three “Enhancements” cups and plates sit on the table.

Episode 2016 - John Justice Wheeler
Episode 2016

These cups apparently lend themselves to sipping closeups.

Episode 2017 - Save the Pine Weasel Fashion Show
Episode 2017

Lastly, the Great Northern uses their “Enhancements” dinnerware at the pine weasel riot…er, banquet.

Episode 2017 - Save the Pine Weasel Fashion Show
Episode 2017

It may not be the most eye-catching kitchenware featured in Twin Peaks, but it is certainly the largest and most frequently used uniform set in the series.

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