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203 - 50's Redux |
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Russel Wright -- American Modern |
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Russel Wright was one of America’s most important designers in the
1930's, 40's and 50's. His dinner and service ware was known for
its fluid shapes and earth tone colours like seafoam, granite gray
and coral.
According to my friend Joan Sternthal, a collectibles expert, during
the latter part of Wright’s career he introduced a line called Casual
China, known better to some as “Casual Iroquois.” This line was
known for its durability; it was also much more functional for every
day use.
The colours for this line of china, as for the more formal American
Modern line, were plucked from nature, colours like nutmeg, lettuce
green and sherbet pink. What also distinguished some pieces from
his other line were “pinches,” handles by which the pieces could
be picked up.
Examples of Russel Wright’s works are part of many American museum
design collections, including New York’s Metropolitan Museum of
Art and the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum.
One definite way to tell if a piece is authentic is to take a look
at the marking on the bottom. If it says Russel Wright and Steubenville
(Ohio) you’ve got an original!
Courtesy: Joan Sternthal Antiques, Toronto, Ontario (416) 410-6501
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