“THISTLE”: Noted ceramicist Kay Hackett’s “Thistle” pattern ceramic dinnerware is on display at the Trenton City Museum until April 2017. Hackett, who passed away last year, designed many pieces for Stangl Pottery from 1951 to 1967.

To celebrate National Women’s History Month during March 2017, the Trenton City Museum is displaying a collection of ceramic dinnerware created by artist Kay Hackett in the “Thistle” pattern. Kay Hackett is credited with designing 40 Stangl dinnerware patterns that were put into production along with over 100 miscellaneous novelty and artware items. She died on March 19, 2016 at the age of 96. According to exhibit curator, David Bosted, “We mourn her passing, but celebrate her legacy of excellence in ceramic design.” Kay Hackett’s many designs for Stangl Pottery were sold nationally from the 1940s through the 1970s, and they remain popular among ceramic collectors today. Stangl Pottery manufactured the Thistle pattern from 1951 to 1967. Visitors can compare “Thistle” to other Kay Hackett designs exhibited in the adjacent Study Gallery at the Museum.

Kay Hackett’s designs were often nature-based, such as Thistle, Chicory, Fruit, Garden Flower, and Blueberry. The designs were hand-painted, making each piece of Stanglware one of a kind. Her designs are charming and festive. Is “Thistle” her greatest design? Visitors can judge for themselves whether they are enchanted by Kay Hackett’s “Thistle” creations. The display was created by David Bosted, Trenton Museum Society trustee, assisted by Madeline Walsh of The College of New Jersey.

For more information, visit www.ellarslie.org or call (609) 989-3632. The Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie is located in the middle of the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Cadwalader Park, with an entrance on Parkside Avenue, in Trenton. There is no fee for admission although donations are accepted. Museum hours are Wednesday–Saturday, noon – 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and municipal holidays.