Grandpa Brad November 2, 2007
Posted by catiporter in Art, Musings.trackback
This is a much belated post, one I’ve been wanting to write for a while.
The photo above is of my boys (Jacob is on the right, Bradley is on the left) in front a mural that was commissioned by my grandfather, Brad Keeler, for the lobby of his new ceramics factory that was being built in downtown San Juan Capistrano in 1951 or 52. This was taken a couple of weeks ago on a daytrip to the area to visit the mission (the swallows weren’t present, but the monarchs sure were! I’ll post something later with more on that).
This is the plaque that accompanies the mural, attributing it to the Twin Winton ceramics company, which purchased the plant after my grandfather’s death, which was, unfortunately, just before the factory became operational. But my mother has documents that show that he was the one to commission the mural, so I’m tempted to lobby for a replacement plaque with proper attribution. Of course, he didn’t make the mural, but I’d like to see it fixed nevertheless.
The stuff he did make was sometimes pretty, but more often pretty campy — he’s best known for his lobster dishes which you can find pretty easily on e-bay.
If you’ve ever been to my house, you’ve probably seen these. I collect his work, and don’t care if it’s chipped or crazed (all of it has pretty significant crazing, a hallmark of the glaze he used). I inherited the big bowl (center), along with some other serving pieces, but have purchased salt & pepper shakers, covered casseroles, as well as other non-lobsterware pieces, my favorite being a tulip-shaped cocoa set. If you ever run across anything with the Brad Keeler sticker or stamp on the base, or even Catherine Keeler (his wife, my namesake, who ran the company for a short time after his death), let me know. I’ll be happy to take it off your hands!
Hello My Uncle worked for Brad Keeler in the late 1940s until Brads passing, the shop was on San Fernando Rd. I have a pig plate that Brad Keeler give. to me, my sister and cousins have lost thers but I still have mine. I too collect his work I also have alot of my Grandmothers, Mothers and my Uncles pieces. I love his chickens . Linda Arywitz
Hello My grandmother, Ethel Elliott, and my father, Richard Vevia, also worked for Brad Keeler in the 1940s. I have several pieces: ginger jars, a lobster serving dish and lettuce plates, some deer, three chickens, a cat ashtray, etc. These are part of the fabric of my memories of my grandmother. I will look for the wall the next time I am in San Juan Capistrano.
I don’t have email so a friend found your website for me. I have several pieces of Brad Keeler which are the salad bowl, a 2-sided serving dish with a life size lobster in the center, a small casserole, a gravy boat with spoon, a 3-tiered candy dish and salt and pepper shakers.
I have one Bird on a wood stump.a yellow cockatiel No. 30 on the bottom. A tiny knick on the tip of the front feathered crest. There is crazing. Is this something someone would want?
Yes, I’m sure someone would want it. All it takes is a quick look at ebay to see that there are a lot of Brad Keeler collectors out there. The crazing is normal and is visible on pretty much all of his work. The nick means that it wouldn’t sell for as much. For me, I happen to like the ones that are damaged — I’d rather give a piece a home than see it discarded because of some imperfection, and for me it has sentimental value.
I have recently come across a demitasse set that is in the shape of flowers. I have 8 cups and the pot, would you happen to know what the series name was. It was a wedding gift to a friend in 1947 and has never been used and new with all stickers. I was trying to find any information on sets that keeler created.
My father also worked for Brad Keeler in the 50’s. He and my step-mother had a large collection of his pottery.
I remember my Father getting upset with my Mother because he thought she lost the formula for the red glaze Brad Keeler used for he lobsters, roosters, etc.
When my Aunt died my cousin acquired most of her Brad Keeler pottery. Items are deer collection, Flamingo’s, roosters, lobster salad platters and much more.
Kathy Ashford
I have a yellow bird on a branch, two green lobster plates and one white lobster plate, and a Siamese cat figurine.
Hey my name’s Jennifer Keeler. Brad Keeler’s my great grandfather. Phil Keeler is my grandfather (just passed away this July) and I’m Greg Keeler’s daughter. I know very few family members so I was excited to find this blog. I’ve recently started collecting the lobster dishes too and this is how I came across this blog. It’s great to see that other family members have an interest in it too!
Hello my name is David; Very sorry for your grandfathers passing.I wish my grandfather was still here.At his market he gave away to his best customers 15 inch high Flamingo’s.I had 4,but 2 were lost in the Ca.Northridge Earthquake.I can’t find any photo’s so far of these birds? Can you help? I was cleaning them today and went on line to ask.Their very delicate birds and think of him when I wash and clean them.Any info would greatlty appreciated. Best Regards David