JANUARY 29 IS KANSAS DAY - CHECK OUT A WEDGWOOD KANSAS DAR PLATE

We currently have a very nice Wedgwood plate made for the KANSAS SOCIETY, Daugthers of the American Revolution.  See it at http://www.alexisantiques.com/browse/view.php?item=WW770-13
It's an unusual commemorative in the DAR series of plates.  It memorializes the visit in 1937 of the State Regent, Mrs. Becker, to the KSDAR State Conference in Wichita.  It's in gorgeous condition and would be a great addition to the collection of a Kansas daughter.  Mention you saw it here for free shipping in the USA. And Happy Kansas Day to all our Kansas friends and clients!

 

WHAT'S OLD IS NEW AGAIN IN THE WORLD OF WEDGWOOD DESIGN

WHAT'S OLD IS NEW AGAIN IN THE WEDGWOOD WORLD! Thanks to our friend Lord Pulford in Scotland and to The UK Telegraph we have learned of a new trend, but really it's not new. In the 1970s and 80s I decorated several dining rooms with fabric draperies and wallcoverings in gorgeous Wedgwood patterns, licensed to a famed wallcovering firm. They eventually disappeared but now check out http://www.blendworth.co.uk/wedgwood/ for some beautiful new fabrics and wallpapers reminiscent of the historic beauty of Wedgwood classical looks. (click order samples tab to see all the various patterns on offer.)

 And for a better overview of the subject of reviving older products and styles, go here to read in depth about the renaissance of home and fashion styles from the past. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/luxury/design/98075/meet-the-design-czars-turning-homeware-brands-around.html
The classic beauty of historic Wedgwood will live on in these new trends as the young forward-thinking designers look back to history for their inspiration.  What's old is indeed new again.  For a sample of the earlier version of drapery fabric, in this case the Columbia bone china pattern, see http://www.alexisantiques.com/browse/view.php?item=WW071
and yet another, albeit newer, fun home fashion accessory which matches the Wedgwood Grand Gourmet series of wine and champagne label plates, see http://www.alexisantiques.com/browse/view.php?item=WW070

Home fashion based on exquisite china patterns of old is a re-emerging trend these days; let's all be glad the younger designers are looking to the past both for marketing ideas as well as design creativity and embrace their work!

STEPHEN FOSTER COLLINS MEMORIAL DAY and WEDGWOOD

American composer Stephen Collins died at the young age of 37 on this date in 1864.  Here is what Wikipedia says about him in part:
"known as "the father of American music", was an American songwriter primarily known for his parlor and minstrel music. Foster wrote over 200 songs; among his best-known are "Oh! Susanna", "Camptown Races", "Old Folks at Home", "My Old Kentucky Home", "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair", "Old Black Joe", and "Beautiful Dreamer". Many of his compositions remain popular more than 150 years after he wrote them. His compositions are thought to be autobiographical. He has been identified as "the most famous songwriter of the nineteenth century", and may be the most recognizable American composer in other countries. His compositions are sometimes referred to as "childhood songs" because they are included in the music curriculum of early education."

He is buried in Pittsburgh, and there is a Memorial Building on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh, which is shown in a 1959 Wedgwood Queensware college plate.  Check it out at www.collegeplates.com.  If you have connections to Pittsburgh or just love his music, this plate might be a nice addition to your Wedgwood or college plate collection!