Artist and industrial designer Viktor Schreckengost died on Saturday.
Though he made astounding contributions to art and design in America, I loved him for his household design, specifically, the china patterns he produced for Salem and American Limoges. I remain an avid collector of his Southwind and Parsley patterns (the latter of which, by featuring parsley on the rim of the dish, provided diners with ready-garnished plates). Someday, when I have enough money, I would love to get my hands on some Primitive and Flower Shop -- these patterns are rare and expensive. But it wasn't always that way: Viktor believed that you didn't have to have a lot of money to enjoy beautiful china. In its day, it was quite affordable. He brought unique design to the everyday American kitchen -- and he was a Clevelander.
In early 2007 Viktor, with the help of his assistant, began selling some of his personal items on eBay. I purchased two Mettlach plates that were owned by Viktor and his first wife, Nadine Averill. His assistant, Craig, found them in an old buffet on the second floor of Viktor's house, and he believes they most likely belonged to Nadine's mother. I mention this purchase because the respect with which Viktor's assistant cared for the master and his possessions was clear: even though I had purchased the plates, and they were no longer his problem, Craig felt more comfortable driving the 15 miles from Cleveland to hand-deliver them to my home so that he could be sure they would not break in the mail.
If Craig and I are any indication, Viktor's legacy is in good hands.
