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[bargainsgirl]

Sad to read this lovely artist died yesterday at age 77.  She began her famous company on the shores of Cayuga Lake.  I was lucky enough to see the artists actually making and painting the goods when they were made on the property there. Back in the day you could take a tour of the work shops and a home decorated with all MC goods.  Once it sold it was never the same.  I am glad I have my older pieces that were made there.

[meallen616]

[deepwaterdotter]

It seems a rather sad story, yet she and her husband persevered.

[SactoSue]

Oh I am so sorry to hear Victoria has passed

I have some of the real MacKenzie-Childs pieces.   I really enjoyed her artistry and wit.  

My condolences to her family and many many friends.

[shoekitty]

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@bargainsgirl wrote:

Sad to read this lovely artist died yesterday at age 77.  She began her famous company on the shores of Cayuga Lake.  I was lucky enough to see the artists actually making and painting the goods when they were made on the property there. Back in the day you could take a tour of the work shops and a home decorated with all MC goods.  Once it sold it was never the same.  I am glad I have my older pieces that were made there.

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@bargainsgirl   Such a wonderful artist and interesting person .  It is sad what the current owner of the company did to them. She was ruthless with them. Talk about hitting a person when they are low.  It changed my whole outlook on the current owner, and the company. 

(also owns American Girl I think).  I wouldn't buy their pieces on ethical grounds myself.  But that's just me

[just bee]

[Pecan Sandie]

I have always been attracted to the tea pots especially the black and white check. Until today I didn't know anything about the artist behind the design until this post. In a Google search many links were returned, after all, there are many who love and collect items with the design. There were several YouTube links featuring Victoria herself. She was such a free spirit. I would have loved to meet her.

All too often you hear in the news of companies changing hands, that millions of dollars were involved but the backstory isn't reported. Actual details may never come out but Victoria's videos share some of the upheaval she and her husband faced and their perseverance through the dark times. I was left more impressed with their strength moving through adversity as opposed to the issues and financial players involved to that point. In some of these million dollar transactions, not everyone hits a jackpot. No shade to the current brand owners, private equity firms, but I do wish somehow the original artist benefited if I had bought that black and white teapot.

[bargainsgirl]

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@shoekitty wrote:

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@bargainsgirl wrote:

Sad to read this lovely artist died yesterday at age 77.  She began her famous company on the shores of Cayuga Lake.  I was lucky enough to see the artists actually making and painting the goods when they were made on the property there. Back in the day you could take a tour of the work shops and a home decorated with all MC goods.  Once it sold it was never the same.  I am glad I have my older pieces that were made there.

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@bargainsgirl   Such a wonderful artist and interesting person .  It is sad what the current owner of the company did to them. She was ruthless with them. Talk about hitting a person when they are low.  It changed my whole outlook on the current owner, and the company. 

(also owns American Girl I think).  I wouldn't buy their pieces on ethical grounds myself.  But that's just me

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Same here.  And I will not pay those insane prices for cheapened merchandise.

[shoekitty]

@Pecan Sandie  I agree with your post. Sad , huh?  I have heard this so many times. A successful, vibrant company runs into financial difficulties.  They need money. ASAP.  They sign contracts.  So many hidden loop holes. Especially in earlier days when people had more trust in business dealings. An even sadder tale along similar lines is the story of Halston, the designer to stars and one of the hottest labels t the time. They say also he was one of the first designer lines. He did all the designing, creating as well. Ran into trouble , sold company.  Found out he couldn't use his own name anywhere.  That was a whole loss to him, how could he start again and not even use part of his name. They took everything. Same with Liz Claiborne.  Once they sold they mass marketed, over sold, over used the name and wore name out.  Halston died poor.  It was awful. Not to mention his life was a mess. It's a story worth reading and one of the most cautionary tales in retail. 

[RescueLover]

It was sad hearing that Victoria passed away.


I learned about Victoria and her husband from Rebecca Proctor when she first appeared on QVC with Mackenzie Child’s items. She talked about working with them and you could tell she felt honored and privileged they chose her for the job.


I wanted to learn more so I went to YouTube and watched Victoria’s videos. She was not a bitter woman, instead she admitted to costly mistakes her and her husband made that cost them the business.


They’re still online for all to watch.