A few weeks ago, the Wall Street Journal had a piece about Lettuce Ware, about which I was vaguely aware. Apparently, C.Z. Guest collected it and had tons of pieces of all sorts. This is some of her collection in her kitchen.
As you might expect, pieces like Lettuce Ware were produced in England during the 18th and 19th centuries. Doesn’t it seem like one of those things that Victorians would love? Of course, around the same time, Majolica from Portugal and Spain started coming into fashion as well, but it wasn’t as realistic as the English pieces.
American potteries such as Wanopee, a no-longer-existing Connecticut company, and Dodie Thayer, from Florida, produced Lettuce Ware. The Duchess of Windsor, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Brooke Astor were all collectors of Dodie Thayer’s Lettuce.
JBKO’s 20 piece Dodie Thayer Lettuce collection went for almost $7,000 at auction, while Brooke Astor’s 218 piece collection went for over $75,000, even though the estimate was only $9,000! You’ve got to have a lot of confidence to serve a dinner on this, although I’d see it more as luncheon ware. And, of course, it would be only one of your sets of china!
If pieces like this one, on 1st Dibs are a little out of your price range, 
Click the links for articles about Lettuce Ware and Dodie Thayer.
I would love to use this every single day!
ReplyDeleteLime - I am sure you would! It's in the correct colour range!
DeleteActually, it's the sieves and strainers on the pegboard that caught my eye. Love those clean shapes and lines.
ReplyDeleteAnd the pegboard!
DeleteI saw the article as well and was reminded my grandma had a huge lettuce tureen on her sideboard which had been her grandmothers that she brought over with her from Scotland, so presumably English. I remember it had a little lady bug on it (porcelain of course) that always freaked me out as a kid. One of the many things I wish I had taken instead of being sold at their estate sale! But it's hard -you can't take EVERYTHING!
ReplyDeleteHindsight is 20/20, isn't it!
DeleteIt really is a charming pattern and perfect for a spring or summer luncheon.
ReplyDeleteI agree... summer lunch, outside, bright crisp foods, lots to drink!
DeleteNothing is better. The Lettuce Ware and particularly this photo. I love it on so many levels!! Have fun collecting, Meg!
ReplyDeleteHope to find more of these pieces!
DeleteThe few plates I have look great when set on a printed tablecloth. So rustic and charming.
ReplyDeleteI can see the plates shining on both plain and printed cloths! They seem very versatile!
DeleteMeg, I love these pieces.... does anyone have the link for the article on CZ Guest?
ReplyDeleteIncredible collections!
xoxo
Karena
Feature: Artist Anne Harwell
So sorry I see that you listed it!Thank you...
ReplyDeleteKarena
what conversation pieces + love everything + read the article in the NY paper. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteAren't they fun!
DeleteOver at Cookbook Of The Day we did a post on Harriet Healy. She published several Palm Beach Cookbooks and ran Au Bon Gout. It was THE place to buy these.
ReplyDeletehttp://cookbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2013/01/ways-with-food.html
I love WASP decorating.
ReplyDeleteI have two plates with strawberry handles in my cupboard. Never thought much about them but use them from time to time. Now I'm looking at them in a whole new light. Thanks for sharing!
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