Waylande Gregory keeps coming up to meet me, but we are continually interrupted. I saw his pieces originally at Hall's over the holidays and noted their appeal, but, well, you know, sometimes I get distracted.
While I like to sprinkle my Kansas City promotions subtly, I fear this week I have been heavy-handed. Perhaps the cold and snow is keeping me inside and insider. I will try and look beyond the hedge next week, but for now I need to point out that Gregory was from Baxter Springs, Kansas.
Gregory's mother, a concert pianist, moved her three boys from Baxter Springs to (you're going to love this) Pittsburg, Kansas so they could get a better education. A wise woman. Waylande Gregory went on to study at the Kansas City Art Institute and become an influential Art Deco sculptor. Gregory was responsible for the exterior sculptural decoration of Strong Hall, the main administrative building at KU. He also designed the Aztec Room at the Hotel President.
Several small vintage pieces are available
on line. This polo pony being particularly enchanting.
The peacocks, Penny, are just for you.
I noticed Bergdorf Goodman had a lovely selection of Gregory's re-issued pieces when I was in New York; Hall's carries them here in town. Terrific, no, with their graphic shapes and crisp black and white? I seem to never get enough of turquoise and gold together.
I just keep thinking three of these square dishes and one circle placed on a cocktail table would be terrif.
Image, top, Elle Decor, March, 2010, photography by Gentl & Hyers. Images of Gregory courtesy of Pittsburg State University.Labels: Product
