: Almost as if scripted, the rare "Norwalk" slipware plate that the
Norwalk Historical Society (NHS) was unable to purchase after
coming up a couple bids short at Skinner's August 14 Americana
auction has finally come home to the city where it was made and
now resides in the society's collection.
Celebrating the return of the plate this past Sunday, October 9,
NHS hosted a reception that included not only the delivery of the
rare pie plate, but also talks by various members of the
community as well as a lectures by Norwalk pottery author and
expert Ralph Bloom and Manhattan antiques dealer Gary Stradling.
The story began in August when Gail Wall, president of NHS,
caught wind of the Skinner auction and mounted a charge to bring
the rare slipware plate back to Norwalk. "We held a press
conference just four days prior to the auction to request that
the community get behind the society's attempt to purchase the
plate," she said. The Smith pottery, where the plate was made
150-plus years ago, was once situated at the bottom of the hill
below the society's Mill Hill Historic Museum and Park.
"We received 43 pledges that amounted to over $5,000 in just four
days and Mayor Knopp was generous enough to promise us matching
funds for any monies that the society spent of our own coffers,"
she said.
It did not prove to be enough, however, as bids for the plate
rapidly bounced back and forth in Skinner's auction gallery. The
society executed a final bid of $16,000, only to be countered and
have the lot claimed by New York City dealer Gary Stradling for
$19,975, including premium.
While NHS lost its bid for the plate at the auction, the board of
directors met with Ms Wall in the days following the sale and
devised a new strategy to "bring the plate home." After gaining
information that the plate had been purchased by Mr Stradling for
inventory, the NHS president was able to negotiate a price, raise
additional funds and ultimately complete the purchase.
Moments prior to Sunday's celebration, Gary and Diana Stradling
entered the Town House in the Mill Hill Historic Park with a box
in hand that contained the rare plate. Excitement ensued while it
was unwrapped and the plate was then prominently displayed in the
front of the room.
"We need to thank all of the patrons, the Norwalk Historical
Commission and Mayor Alex Knopp. Without their financial help,
returning this important piece of Norwalk history to its home
would have never been possible," stated Mrs Wall as the
ceremonies came to an end.
NHS is planning an exhibition of Norwalk pottery early in 2006
that will include pieces from its own collection, the Norwalk
Museum's collection, and also privately owned examples. Anyone
interested in loaning select examples for the exhibition should
contact NHS, POB 335, Norwalk, 06851 CT; 203-846-0525, or Gail
Wall directly at 203-847-4027.
