Rockwell Kent Plate ~

Designer Bio:
Kent, Rockwell (b.1882;Tarrytown Heights, New York – d.1971)

Rockwell Kent is one of America’s most celebrated artists. Kent was born in the small town of Tarrytown Heights, New York. He began his artistic career at the Horace Mann School of Art in New York City. Subsequently, he studied architecture at Columbia University. Upon graduation, Kent began traveling. He was as much the adventurer as he was an artist. Many of his lithographs, paintings, wood carvings, and drawings are inspired by nature. After establishing himself as an artist, Kent became a lecturer and writer. His best selling book, A Journal of Quiet Adventure in Alaska, was published in 1920.

Kent was hired by Vernon Kilns of Vernon, California, in the late 1930’s. The company’s owner, Faye Bennison, hired Kent to design several patterns, which she requested to be of “museum quality”. Kent designed several patterns for Vernon Kilns, including “Our America”, “Moby Dick”, and the “Salamina” pattern. Kent continued designing china for the Vernon Kilns throughout the next decade. During the 1950’s, Kent became a controversial figure because he was suspected of being a Communist by Senator McCarthy. Following a failed indictment, Kent continued traveling, writing, painting, and lecturing. A resurgence of interest in Kent’s art occurred after he died in 1971.

The Salamina pattern is the most sought after and in demand pattern of all Vernon Kilns designs which is handpainted under the glaze. This design was adapted by Mr. Kent from his own book especially for Vernonware. Kent was in search of peace and simple contentment away from a world that had become stale and senseless to him. And so out this journey to and life in Greenland grew a book. A book that in words and pictures told of the incredible glory of the Artic and Beautiful Salamina. Probably the most romantic and adventurous story ever attached to a dinnerware!
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