Sally's Gift

Sally Patterson was the sister of Nancy Patterson Lamb and one of the three artists who worked in residence at Iron Mountain Stoneware while it was in existence and producing many pieces of stoneware for the kitchens and cooks of America.  Sally created many one-of-a-kind pieces which were beautiful and in the case of one which recently sold on Ebay, told a sometimes personal story about her life or that of her family.  This 14 inch platter was highly decorated and in the private collection of Nancy--so beautiful! According to Nancy's description, the platter illustrated "our family having a picnic in the back yard on a warm summer day." Note that in 1983 when the piece was created, it had a $400.00 price tag still adhered to the backside.

Scene from a family picnic

Signature, date and price

close up of the artist's detail

Merry Christmas Plates

The series of Christmas Plates, started in 1983, were a different design each year, and according to Nancy Pattern Lamb, they were usually painted by her, since each edition was limited. The back of the the blue and gray 6 inch plate, which appears to be inspired by Martha's Flowers, has the "M" signature that belongs to the artist, Mary Greer Suits . It bears the hand painted date 1985 on the back as well. The second Merry Christmas plate is the same size as the first and mimics the Over the Hills pattern of stoneware, but appears to have been done by Nancy Patterson Lamb as her initial is on the backside.
There were also "Happy Day" plates created in a variety of patterns.  The "M" which is often seen on the back of the hand-painted plates was Mary's initial.  There were various messages written on the plates--"Happy Birthday," "Happy Anniversary," "I Love You," "Thank You," "Congratulations, and "Happy Mother's Day."  Sometimes the plates had a personalized message painted on them too.

Merry Christmas, 1985

Merry Christmas, 1984