Pickard

For some forty years the Pickard China Studio, as the firm was then known, was a decorating company specializing in hand painted art pieces, dessert and tea sets. Many of the original artists were from the Art Institute of Chicago. The staff was increased by renowned ceramic artists from all the countries of Europe. Since most of the china was manufactured abroad at the time, the Pickard studios imported blank ware to be decorated. These early pieces are now sought after by collectors.
When Wilder's son Austin entered the business, he longed for the day that Pickard would no longer be dependent upon outside sources. He dreamed of manufacturing in Illinois as fine a china as could be found anywhere in the world. In 1930, experiments began. It took seven years before the secret Pickard formula was developed - a delicate blend of many different clays and minerals considered worthy to bear Pickard's proud new lion trademark. Further experiments produced a formula for glaze that is considered by many experts as the finest in the industry.

In 1937, production was moved to Antioch, in the lovely lakes region of northern Illinois about midway between Chicago and Milwaukee. This peaceful setting proved ideal for the painstaking craftsmanship and skilled handwork necessary to produce top quality ware. Pickard became known for creating a beautiful warm white china as well as rich decorations.

Austin's son, Henry A. (Pete) Pickard, represented the third generation to enter the business and served as president from 1966 until his retirement in 1994. Pete's brother-in-law, Eben C. Morgan Jr., is the current president and carries on the family management that has directed the company for more than a hundred years. Richard E. Morgan and Andrew Pickard Morgan, the founder's great grandsons, have both joined the company and represent the fourth generation of the family in the business. The company's sales are primarily in fine china dinnerware, decorative accessories and collectibles.

Today Pickard china ranks among the finest in the world, highly noted for its graceful shapes and beautiful decorations. It has the feel of lightness and delicacy, while maintaining unusual strength. Its glaze is of remarkable brilliance and hardness.