By Robin Thornley
The name "Lenox" is famous among collectors of fine china, due the genius of its creator, William Scott Lenox, who set up a studio in his native New Jersey and soon found his creations on the best tables and in major museums in the
United States. His china became the first American china to grace the White House state dining room, and four subsequent Lenox dining sets are in the White House Museum.
The Founder
William Scott Lenox was born in 1859 in Trenton, New Jersey, known as the "Staffordshire of America" for its numerous pottery factories. He initially worked as a designer for others and then embarked on his venture.
The Studio
Lenox opened the Ceramic Art Company in 1889, a studio workshop. He employed highly trained artisans and Lenox was famous for quality and design.
The Lenox Company
With American fortunes increasing, the demand for china spread and the now-named Lenox Inc. launched exquisitely decorated full-service dinnerware sets in 1902. In 1910 it introduced less expensive sets decorated with fine transfer prints for the larger market.
Presidential China
Lenox was the first American china maker to win a spot at the White House dinner table when in 1918 President Woodrow Wilson ordered a 1,700 piece dining set. Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton also ordered Lenox china.
Traditions Continue
Lenox died in 1920, but his chief designer Frank Graham Holmes and his successors maintained the company's reputation as a maker of fine china dinnerware and decorative pieces.
Resources
About the Author:
Robin Thornley has been a successful writer for more than 25 years, penning articles for national magazines, newspapers and websites. She specializes in a variety of topics, including business, politics, lifestyle trends, travel and cuisine. She also is the author of two guidebooks.
