COLLECTIONS: LADY HEAD VASES

I have been wanting to do a post on lady head vases since I started my articles for The Randolph Street Market Blog, I got a bit of a “let’s do it now” push when I saw the following photo posted by my friend Toni Canada, when I asked if I could use it she informed that her mother-in-law collected them and sent me an additional photo along with the note I’m sharing with you…..it is an absolutely fabulous collection!

“The collection of Marguriete Canada handed down to her son Rick Canada. Rick is now the “caretaker” of the collection.

My mother-in-law would put little notes inside each vase, where she aquired the vase; if she purchased it, how much she paid for it; if it was a gift, who she received it from….. very sweet 💗”. A Nena’s note…what an excellent idea let’s all start doing that with our collections, brilliant!

Thank you so much Toni for sharing these treasures, the photos and your beautiful note, with us.

I became enamoured with lady head vases as a little girl. Looking at me today you wouldn’t think I was very sick as a child, but I was (we won’t go into details here!). With each bout of something or another my wonderful Daddy would bring me a lady head vase filled with 13 sweetheart roses (I believe now referred to as growers roses). He got off the El at Howard Street, we lived in Rogers Park on the Northside of Chicago, there was a florist underneath the station. Actually the vases began by being commissioned by florists to sell with their bouquets. I probably believed they were made especially for me…I’ve always been a romantic. I amassed a huge collection and totally adored them. They, I am sure, helped develop my interest in the glamorous world, to my young eyes, of fashion!!

These charmers were always very proper in their attire, hats…of course…pearls…usually…gloves…sometimes and always, always beautifully made up with lush mascared lashes and ruby lips….I was in fashion heaven. Theses were two of my favorites….want to find them again. Both are signed pieces and from Betty Lou Nichols.

In doing a bit of research for this post I found out the origins of these nostalgic pieces that occupied a place in time in the mid-20th Century, they, (like so many other objects) fell out of favor, they are now highly collectible.

There were several manufactures who produced these lovelies in the 40s to 70s. Here are some company names that can help you identify your vase: US manufacturers – Betty Lou Nichols and Henry Holt and Japan manufacturers – Napco, Inarco, Lefton, Enesco, Relpo and Reubens. There was also a trend for celebrity vases such as Lucille Ball, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, etc.

Lucille Ball

One of many Marilyn Monroe interpretations this one a rare example….

Grace Kelly

A beauty definitely a 50’s glamour girl….

I am concentrating on Betty Lou Nichols pieces in this post because I am familiar with them.

Betty Lou Nichols was a talented California artist that created some of the most sought after head vases in the collecting world. I found that most, if not all, of my collection were hers. Wish I had them now. When collecting anything always look for a hallmark, a maker’s mark anything that can identify it as the real deal. Always, always engage the vendors in conversation they are experts in their collections and want to share their knowledge with you. You will learn so much more about what you already have or when you want to add items to your treasurers or you are on the hunt for something new that you didn’t know you really wanted but definitely can’t live without!!

A book, as always….

Here are some ways to display or actually use your vases, with flowers and other suggestions.

Love this collection and its mirrors…I am obsessed with mirrors, are you?!

Obviously on shelves….or

For your make-up brushes et al…..or perhaps pens etc. on your at-home office workplace…

Flowers, of course…..beyond charming…

Love this collection….wouldn’t it be fun to do at a shower, luncheon or tea to put at each guests place as a remembrance…start collecting now for future events.

I have fallen in love with lady head vases all over again, have I tempted you…hope so!

Originally written for The Randolph Street Market Blog, reprinted with permission.

All above photos, unless otherwise noted, from Pinterest photo credits unknown.

COLLECTIONS: ROSEVILLE POTTERY

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American Pottery… Always Classic, Always New

FASHION TREND REPORT EXCLUSIVELY FOR RANDOLPH STREET MARKET BY NENA IVON, nenasnotes

EDITED REPOST WITH PERMISSION OF SALLY SCHWARTZ

American pottery has been collectible since its inception in the mid-1800’s with its many manufactures, most of them based in the Mid-West, Ohio in particular. Let’s think Rookwood, Weller, Newcomb College, etc. In today’s post I’m concentrating, briefly, on Roseville Pottery, primarily it’s Magnolia and Thornapple patterns.

When I recently visited a friends home I found it jam packed with many, many collections one of which was Roseville. While I totally acknowledge that I have no previous knowledge of American pottery, I can appreciate it and want to learn more about its origins. There are many, many reproductions and fake pieces out there…as always educate yourself when collecting.

I particularly like these items being featured in Arts and Crafts homes, but find them charming in more modern settings. How fabulous in a solarium, or perhaps an enclosed porch.

Pottery Randolph Street Market

The Roseville Pottery began making decorative ceramics in 1892 in Roseville, Ohio. The company moved to Zanesville, Ohio in 1900. They became one of the largest pottery companies in the country before going bankrupt in 1954.

Roseville items come in many patterns, shapes and sizes. And, I’m sorry to say, there are too many “non-Roseville” pieces on the market. Research, research, research is the answer to authenticity!

Pottery Randolph Street Market

I took several photos of my friend’s treasures to share with you.

A wall pocket…popular with dealers and collectors.

Pottery Randolph Street Market

Pottery Randolph Street Market

A huge urn…

Pottery Randolph Street Market

Some of the vast variety of shapes are on display in a guest bedroom….lucky guest!!

Pottery Randolph Street Market

In a vignette…this and the three photos above it, taken by me with my iPhone.

Pottery Randolph Street Market

Pottery Randolph Street Market

Pottery Randolph Street Market

Interesting display of a vast collection. Here the collection doesn’t concentrate on one pattern but, in my opinion, it still works.

To continue your education…a couple of books.

Pottery Randolph Street Market

Pottery Randolph Street Market

As always when buying vintage items, do your homework, work with reputable dealers and most of all enjoy your collections.

Pottery Randolph Street Market

All photos, unless otherwise noted, from Pinterest photo credits unknown.

—–
by Nena Ivon
www.nenasnotes.com
www.facebook.com/Nena Ivon
www.instagram.com/nenasnotes

COLLECTIONS: VINTAGE COPPER WARE

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I THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE A FUN SUMMER PIECE…ENJOY

 

REPOSTED WITH PERMISSION OF SALLY SCHWARTZ

 

COLLECTIBLES EXCLUSIVELY FOR RANDOLPH STREET MARKET BY NENA IVON, nenasnotes

“Copper has been an essential material to man since pre-historic times. In fact, one of the major “ages” or stages of human history is named for a copper alloy, bronze. Copper and its many alloys have played an important role in many civilizations, from the ancient Egyptians, Romans to modern day cultures around the world.” Copper Development Association Inc. (Do explore their website…fascinating stuff!)

Mankind’s First Metal

“Copper has been in use at least 10,000 years, but more than 95% of all copper ever mined and smelted has been extracted since 1900. As with many natural resources, the total amount of copper on Earth is vast (around 10 to the 14th tons just in the top kilometer of Earth’s crust, or about 5 million years worth at the current rate of extraction). However, only a tiny fraction of these reserves is economically viable, given present-day prices and technologies. Various estimates of existing copper reserves available for mining vary from 25 years to 60 years, depending on core assumptions such as the growth rate.

While copper in its purest form is a very soft metal, almost any element that can be added to copper will increase its hardness. The addition of tin not only imparts strength but also results in an alloy, known as bronze, that can be readily cast in molds. Early on, man discovered that bronze would flow evenly into molds and produce reliable castings with intricate shapes and patterns.” From Kobett Metals website

Vintage Copper Ware

A copper mine.

Vintage Copper Ware

A vein of copper…Mother Nature at her best…

Vintage Copper Ware

Vintage Copper Ware

Copper nuggets…

What do we think of when we think copper….the Statue of Liberty, of course, a penny, naturally, some decorative accessory pieces one is likely to see in Mid-Century Modern homes but that is not what I’m concentrating on for this post but rather the kitchenalia we cook with (conducts heat to profection and in a mixing bowl whips cream perfectly) most particularly, Copper Pudding Molds…

Vintage Copper Ware

Vintage Copper Ware

Isn’t she glorious… now, of course, with her patina coat…

Vintage Copper Ware

Vintage Copper Ware

Pennies used as decorative floor tile… fascinating use for the lowly coin.

Vintage Copper Ware

Found at Randolph Street Market for décor probably originally ashtrays, now for bonbons or whatever you choose, my photo.

Vintage Copper Ware

Vintage Copper Ware

A couple of stunning Arts and Crafts pieces for a Mid-Century Modern home.

Vintage Copper Ware

I love the luster of these pans and kettles against the brick wall…very English country home… don’t you agree!!!!!

Copper Pudding Molds are shiny and ornate, these fanciful casts originated in Europe in the 1700s and remained in fashion through World War I. In England, “pudding” is a general term for desserts of all kinds, hence the term “pudding mold.” A perfect item to collect and you can find vintage “replicas” as well as the originals at the monthly Randolph Street Market. As always I suggest you use each dealers expertise to guide you through collecting no matter what form (pun intentional!!) it takes and remember don’t think about it buy it when you see it or someone else will! My warning for collecting…

Vintage Copper Ware

While I wouldn’t suggest you bake in very old molds, they make fabulous decorative pieces while newer, think mid-twentieth century to today, are fine for making any sort of “pudding”, jello molds (they too are back in favor), aspics, all can enhance your cooking year round but particularly charming at a summer picnic or back yard entertaining…easy to do and smashing to look at and devour!

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Perhaps you will find vintage drawings that could be framed and hung in your kitchen along with your copper molds. A couple of great examples.

Vintage Copper Ware

Vintage Copper Ware

 

 
Didn’t we all have fish molds and/or pineapple molds. One from my collection….all my copper went to friends collections. For years I had copper bottom pans as my cookware, they are also gone to homes that can use them and keep them shining. Many pieces today are coated so polishing them isn’t necessary, call me old fashion but I like the luster of the untreated…using a bit of elbow grease never hurt anyone plus the patina in the aging, like we humans, is beautiful.

Let’s enjoy looking at a few wonderful vintage pieces and perhaps how to display them in your home…

Vintage Copper Ware

Vintage Copper Ware

Vintage Copper Ware

Vintage Copper Ware

Vintage Copper Ware

Vintage Copper Ware

Vintage Copper Ware

Vintage Copper Ware

Several books for reference…..again look at RSM for all manner of vintage books…

Vintage Copper Ware

Vintage Copper Ware

Vintage Copper Ware

Vintage Copper Ware

Vintage Copper Ware

Perhaps a copper brocade dress to wear when hosting your dinner party having used your copper collection to impress your guests…

Vintage Copper Ware

Vintage Copper Ware

A solid brass sculpture, fascinating.

Copper, one of earths beautiful materials, can be enjoyed in so many ways and we can enjoy them in our homes, see the many statues with their years of patina or hold it in our hands in the form of a penny… no end to its delights.

—–
by Nena Ivon
www.nenasnotes.com
www.facebook.com/Nena Ivon
www.instagram.com/nenasnotes

All photos from Pinterest photo credits unknown.

VICTOR SKREBNESKI ODE TO AN ICON PART 4

Originally published on        June 22, 2020 by the Chicago History Museum.  Reposted with permission.

Remembering Victor Skrebneski

 

Posted under by Guest author

Legendary photographer Victor Skrebneski passed away on April 4, 2020. For this blog post, Nena Ivon, past president of the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum, delved into her personal archive and reflects on her friend’s work with the Museum.

Victor Skrebneski had a varied and exciting association with the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museumthrough the years. During his half-century career, he was known for his striking images of models in advertisements and portraits of celebrities, but his work encompassed so much more than that. His extraordinary editorial photography graced the pages of Town & Country magazine, as well as numerous breathtaking books and catalogues. Victor’s eye for composition brought life to advertising campaigns for major retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue and I. Magnin. His work was displayed in major exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Photography.


Undated self-portrait of Skrebneski. © Victor Skrebneski

Victor and the Costume Council were a perfect pairing—an iconic creator documenting an iconic costume collection. His contributions to the Costume Council and the Museum were extraordinary and leave us with breathtakingly exquisite images. He helped develop the Costume Council’s annual fundraiser—the legendary Donors’ Ball—through his unique invitations, serving on occasion as decor chair, and helping bring illustrious designers to headline the galas, such as Hubert de Givenchy in 1995.


Victor (left) looks on as Nena Ivon (standing) speaks with Givenchy and Bonnie Deutsch, a past Costume Council president, at the 1995 Donors’ Ball.

Here are two of examples of Donors’ Ball invitations featuring Victor’s photography.


The 1986 Donors’ Ball was presented at the opening of Northwestern Atrium Center (now 500 West Madison), which is connected to the Ogilvie Transportation Center.


Donors’ Ball 1990, one of my favorite invitations!

(From left to right) Mr. Victor Skrebneski, Mrs. Owen H. Deutsch and Mrs. Donna L. (Sugar) Rautbord, Chicago Historical Society Donors' Ball Co-Chairs, flanking Mr. James Galanos, fashion designer who received the first Costume Committee Award for Design Excellence in a special ceremony at the Donors' Ball, Chicago, Illinois, November 20, 1992.
Victor, Bonnie Deutsch and Sugar Rautbord, Donors’ Ball Co-Chairs, flanking James Galanos, who received the first Designer of Excellence Award at the Donors’ Ball, Chicago, November 20, 1992. CHM, ICHi-069729


Geoffrey Beene (left) was honored in 1996 with the Costume Council’s Designer of Excellence Award. Pictured with him is past Costume Council president Lawrie Weed, Victor, and Ed Weed.

One of his extraordinary contributions to the Costume Council was a ten-page color photography spread in the October 1984 issue of Town & Country magazine, which featured seven Executive Board members in front of some of the Costume Collection’s spectacular pieces. Truly a memorable captured moment in time.


Beverly Blettner, past Costume Council president, with one of the crown jewels of the costume collection—Paul Poiret’s Sorbet! © Victor Skrebneski

In addition to his work with the Costume Council, Victor’s work can be seen when you visit the Museum. His portrait of Benjamin B. Green-Field is on display at the entrance of the gallery named after Green-Field. The milliner was a generous donor to the Museum, and the Costume Collection includes a huge assortment of his whimsical Bes-Ben hats.

ortrait of Benjamin Green-Field
Undated portrait of Benjamin Green-Field. CHM, ICHi-173662; Victor Skrebneski, photographer

My last photograph taken with Victor was at a Fashion Group International Chicago event late last year. Pictured with us is Dennis Minkel, Victor’s longtime assistant, studio manager, archivist, and keeper of the flame. All of us are indebted to Dennis for his support of the Costume Council. We are holding the photographs of us that appear in Victor’s latest book, Skrebneski Documented. At the time of his death, Victor was working on two more books.


Dennis (second from left), Victor (center), and Nena Ivon (right), December 3, 2019.

It was one of the highlights of my life to not only work with this genius but to call him a dear friend for more than fifty years. His legacy will live on in the history of Chicago, the city he loved and called home.

I WAS ASKED BY THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM TO WRITE MY REFLECTIONS ON VICTOR SKREBNESKI, I DECIDED, OBVIOUSLY, TO CONCENTRATE ON HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COSTUME COUNCIL AND THE COSTUME COLLECTION OF CHM.