At Home by Lynnette Solomon

Photos: Courtesy of MacKenzie-Childs

Courtly Check and Aurora Enamel Kitchen. Courtly Check ceramic serving It’s a Wonderful Life

hen you enter the MacKen- their talents. Stripes, dots, and checkers along with ing, and said, ‘If we need to start making teacups zie-Childs boutique at M.J. lively reds, purples, yellows, and greens all worked that’s what we need to do,’” said Richard. “And Miller & Co. in downtown Bar- together. In addition to all the fanciful whatnots Victoria said to me, ‘You know, I was thinking Wrington, the first thing you do is smile. You can’t were the murals of the landscapes, lakes and roll- the same sort of thing, but boy, they’re going to be help yourself; it’s like falling down the rabbit hole ing fields of the farm. Images of everything were great teacups.’” in “Alice in Wonderland.” In fact, Alice would right outside their own backdoor. And MacKenzie-Childs was born. covet these charming and whimsical accessories. Victoria was occasionally selling a sculpture Initially, they had their struggles like many Everywhere you turn there is eccentric detail, not and Richard was teaching ceramics at Wells Col- fledgling companies. However, when Neiman a far cry from the company’s humble beginnings. lege in Aurora. “One day I came home from teach- Marcus placed an order, the word spread quickly. Everyone new to MacKenzie-Childs is curi- As demand exceeded their production abilities, ous about how the company began. They want they began to hire more artists. Today, MacKen- to hear the history because they know there zie-Childs employs over 325 artists and produc- must be a story as imaginative and inspired as tion specialists in the same dairy farm where it all the teakettles, cake carriers, and Chicken Palace. began. In 2013, MacKenzie-Childs celebrated 30 Yes, Chicken Palace, but more about that later. years of manufacturing in the United States and Richard and Victoria (MacKenzie-Childs) were has changed ownership twice since the days of struggling young artists with master’s degrees in Victoria and Richard. Fine Arts from Alfred University. They bought a In 2001, Pleasant Rowland bought the com- neglected 19th century farmhouse in Aurora, New pany. Rowland is most recognized as the creator York, a small town in the Finger Lakes region. of American Girl. She is also an alumna of Wells With no money to purchase new furnishings or College in Aurora, New York. When both the to renovate, they began collecting odds and ends, college and MacKenzie-Childs began to strug- such as wood doors, knobs, and broken pottery. gle, Rowland came to the rescue. She purchased Courtly Check Enamel Dinnerware Paint was another inexpensive way to express MacKenzie-Childs from the creators, shored up

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the financial health of both, and embarked on a Ceramics and enamelware and rabbit drawer pulls, turtle feet, and finials; and a restoration of the inns and restaurants of Aurora. furniture. Oh My! sweet blue bird perched on the rooftop. The two- piece mahogany armoire is comprised of a base Through Rowland’s business savvy, combined MacKenzie-Childs is primarily known for its chest and jewelry box top, which together feature with her innate design ability and high-quality signature Courtly Check pattern. It’s a designer’s 40 drawer compartments, even some hidden ones. taste, Aurora is now a destination on the Finger dream! Not only does the pattern work well on Each one is lined with lush pink velvet. Hinged Lakes. its own, it’s also is a great “base” to jump from sides open to reveal a painted interior with hooks In 2008, Pleasant sold MacKenzie-Childs to when beginning the design process. Everything and storage for necklaces and bracelets. It’s not Lee Feldman and Howard Cohen, partners of from traditional to mid-century modern works your typical chicken coop! Twin Lakes Capital out of Rochester, New York. well with Courtly Check. In the enamelware col- MacKenzie-Childs has come a long way Selling the company to people who would keep lection there are four additional patterns: Flower from teacups. The products are sold nationwide, production in Aurora was important. Lee and Market, Parchment Check, Aurora, and the new- through large department stores as well as bou- Howard couldn’t have agreed more. With the est pattern, Butterfly Garden. All patterns perform tiques, in New York, San Francisco, Dallas, Bev- business acumen and financial resources of pri- mixed together or as separate collections. erly Hills, and Barrington; and worldwide in Har- vate equity behind it, MacKenzie-Childs is once If Courtly Check is not your cup of tea, or rods, located in London, and Mitsukoshi, Tokyo. again thriving; delighting those who have ap- teakettle, (MacKenzie-Childs all time best selling MacKenzie-Childs’ goal is to remind people that preciated it for years and collecting new admir- piece), surely you will fall in love with the hand- life is wonderful. The collector of MacKenzie- ers. Lee and Howard have an appreciation for the painted furniture. Like other furniture, each piece Childs possesses the heart of an artist. Whether historical and intrinsic value of this iconic brand is named, but that is where the similarities end. it’s a single coveted accent piece, or an entire room and have encouraged the creative minds of the For example, the Chicken Palace is named for the filled with inspiration, there is room in everyone’s designers and artists to do what they do best; de- actual hen house on the grounds of the farm. This home for MacKenzie-Childs. sign and manufacture pieces that stay true to the amazing piece boasts a crackle finish and mir- original design aesthetic that people continue to ror mosaics; floral decals, hand-painted checks, For more information, visit www.mjmillerjewelers. fall in love with. stripes, and faux marbling; handmade ceramic com, or www.mackenzie-childs.com.

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