Expert: Leisha Hiester - 12/15/2008

Question
I have a piece of ceramic, it is marked Mallory Ceramic studio on the bottom, and signed Esther 1955, what can you tell me about it?

Thanks

Answer
Rick,
Do you have a picture of your piece? My guess is that it was completed by a lady named 'Esther' in 1955 in a local ceramic studio. In the '50s there were lots of local ceramic studios that were named after the owners, usually a mom & pop with the last name 'Mallory.' It was an active hobby for lots of ladies that has sadly gone by the wayside with the increase of ceramics coming in from China, direct mail & the internet & more. The 'paint your own pottery' studios have become like franchises. It's a difficult tension similar to the old mom & pop bookstores that have been run out of business by the huge chains. Hope this helps. Leisha