The history of Lenox Brands begins with the story of Walter Scott Lenox. His dream of producing an American china to surpass the finest European ware began in Trenton, New Jersey, a flourishing center of pottery making in the 1850's. His progress from apprentice to designer to president of the company that bears his name was marked by an innovative approach to his art and an uncompromising adherence to quality.
After mastering the details of pottery and studying art and decoration at Ott and Brewer, Walter Scott Lenox founded the Ceramic Art Company in 1889, renaming it Lenox in 1894. In an art studio atmosphere, he assembled a dedicated staff of talented designers and artisans who created elegant pieces with a distinct character, reflecting American originality.
The realization of Walter Scott Lenox's dream occurred in 1918 when President Woodrow Wilson commissioned Lenox to produce the first American-made White House service. The White House tradition for Lenox China continued with the services commissioned for Presidents Franklin Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman and Ronald Reagan. Since acquiring a glassmaking company whose heritage dates back to 1841, Lenox Crystal has also been selected for official use by the Vice President of the United States and by United States Embassies around the world. Lenox crystal has also been chosen by the White House, the State Department and Congress for presentation to dignitaries and heads of state throughout the world.
Today, the company continues to flourish as Lenox Brands,
changing to meet the demands of America with new companies, Lenox; Kirk Stieff
CollectionTM, Gorham®, Dansk®, Hartmann® Luggage and Crouch
& Fitzgerald®, all sharing in the ideals of Walter Scott Lenox and
his commitment to timeless beauty, quality craftsmanship and service.
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1918 Wilson White House Service The Appropriation Act of 1826 contained the restriction that all furnishings purchased for the President's house with public funds should be of domestic manufacture "as far as is practicable". Until Lenox china was chosen in 1917, no American-made ware could be found that satisfied the President's stringent requirements for quality of design and durability of fabric. Every President since Wilson, however, has served his guests from Lenox China. |
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1935 F.D. Roosevelt White House Service Commissioned by President Roosevelt to replace the Lenox President Wilson service. The rose and plume border design is from the Roosevelt family coat of arms. The deep blue border in the 1,700 pieces of the service reflects President Roosevelt's love of the sea. |
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1951 Truman White House Service Created by Lenox in 1951 for the redecorated White House at the request of President Truman, this 1,572 piece service reflected the celadon green decor of the Official State dining room. In the etched Presidential seal, the eagle faces the olive branches, bespeaking peace - not the "warlike" arrows on earlier china Presidential services. |
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1981 Reagan White House Created for President Ronald Reagan, this 4,372 piece was donated to the White House Historical Society by the Knapp Foundation. The 24-karat raised gold paste seal appears on each piece. It was first used for an official state dinner in 1982. |
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