While these women may not be as widely recognized as some mainstream historical figures, they’re all still impacting the world of collecting in various ways and a number of them made their mark at a time when the success of a woman in the business realm was a remarkable achievement. Learn about these women associated with antiques and collectibles coveted by their fans around the world.
1. Ellen Clapsaddle – Artist
Scan from the collection of Pamela Y. Wiggins
Well known by vintage postcard collecting circles, Ellen Clapsaddle designed endearing artwork found on calendars, trade cards, Valentine cards, other ephemera and, of course, postcards, beginning in the late 1800s. In spite of the cheery disposition of most of her work, the mid and late periods of her life were quite tragic. One of her well-known postcard designs featuring a child with Santa is shown here (click on the image for a full-sized view). Read more…
2. Enid Collins – Handbag Designer
Photo by Pamela Y. Wiggins
While the handbags Enid Collins designed and marketed beginning in 1959 aren’t technically antiques yet, they’re most certainly collectible. Collins’ designs were often quite whimsical, and started a new trend in embellished handbags that paved the way for future designers and artisans working in the field of wearable art. The Collins bag featured here is her "Money Tree" design (click on the image to see a full-sized view). Read more…
3. Sonia Delaunay – Textile and Clothing Designer
© L & M SERVICES B.V. The Hague 20100623
Sonia Delaunay was a notable artist whose designs appeared on everything from canvas and cloth to ceramics and cars. She’s best known in collecting circles, however, for her vivid Art Deco prints used on textiles and clothing including swimwear. The photo here features her design work used in the French film Le P'tit Parigot in 1926 (click on the image to see full-sized view.) Read more…
4. Ray Eames – Furniture Designer
Photo courtesy of Wright (www.wright20.com)
This designer has been elevated to icon status with fans of mid-century modern furniture. Ray Eames worked with her husband Charles to create some of the most notable, and collectible, furniture designs of the 20th century. The photo shown here is an Eames piece sold by Wright auction house (click on image for a full-sized view). Read more…
5. Mary Gregory – Glassware Decorator
Photo by Pamela Y. Wiggins
Mary Gregory is revered for her work, but not without an air of mystery. There's an awful lot of colored glass with white enameling attributed to this sole individual. Historians have determined that she was a real person, but what they’re not sure about is how much of the glass associated with her name was actually decorated by this talented woman. Read more…
6. Miriam Haskell – Jewelry Designer/Business Owner
Photo by Jay B. Siegel
One of the most famous names in collectible costume jewelry is undoubtedly Miriam Haskell. This enterprising woman set up shop in the McAlpin Hotel in New York City during the 1920s. The earliest works made by Haskell and those working for her were unsigned, but collectors can learn to recognize their attributes. The photo shown here features a strand of Haskell's famous Niki glass pearls made in Japan that are extremely popular with collectors the world over (click on the image for a full-sized view). Read more…
7. Maria Longworth – Potter and Business Owner
Photo courtesy of Morphy Auctions
This entrepreneur started Rookwood Pottery as the first female-owned manufacturing company in the United States in 1880. Her methods of operation and innovation changed the way American pottery was viewed, and she did this in a male-dominated industry. The Rookwood vase shown here was decorated by notable artist A.R. Valentien (click on the image to see a full-sized view). Read more…
8. Eva Ziesel – Designer
Photo Courtesy of Wexel Art
Designing until just before her death at the age of 105, Eva Ziesel is the model for creative longevity. Her most famous designs took the form of modernist dinnerware that has quite a following with collectors. Her more recent designs branched out into the realm of furniture, tea kettles, lighting and even picture frames. Read more…
