RSVP 1341 W Randolph Street, Chicago
Next Event: May 27 - 28, 2023 10am-5pm both daysRandolph Street Market 1341 W Randolph St, Chicago
July 29 - 30, 2023 10am-5pm both days
September 23 - 24, 2023 10am-5pm both days
November 04 - 05, 2023 10am-5pm both days
December 02 - 03, 2023 10am-5pm both days
Randolph Street Market
  • Schedule
  • Become A Vendor
  • Blog
  • Getting Here
  • Shop Swag
  • Sponsors
  • About
  • Press Room
  • Gallery
  • FAQ
  • Contact
Buy TicketsBecome a Vendor
Next Event: May 27 - 28, 2023 10am-5pm both daysRandolph Street Market 1341 W Randolph St, Chicago

Lady Head Vases… Everything Old Is New Again

COLLECTIBLES EXCLUSIVELY FOR RANDOLPH STREET MARKET BY NENA IVON, nenasnotes

I have been wanting to do a post on lady head vases since I started my articles for Randolph Street Market, I got a bit of a “let’s do it now” push when I saw the following photo posted by my friend Toni Canada, when I asked if I could use it she informed me that her mother-in-law collected them and sent me an additional photo…absolutely fabulous collection.

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

Toni included this note with the photos

“The collection of Marguriete Canada handed down to her son Rick Canada. Rick is now the “caretaker” of the collection.

My mother-in-law would put little notes inside each vase, where she acquired the vase; if she purchased it, how much she paid for it; if it was a gift, who she received it from… very sweet ????”. A Nena’s note…what an excellent idea let’s all start doing that!

Thank you so much Toni for sharing these treasures, the photos and your beautiful note, with us.

I became enamored with lady head vases as a little girl. Looking at me today you wouldn’t think I was very sick as a child (we won’t go into details here!). With each bout of something or another my wonderful Daddy would bring me a lady head vase filled with 13 sweetheart roses (I believe now referred to as growers roses). He got off the El at Howard Street, we lived in Rogers Park on the Northside of Chicago, there was a florist underneath the station. Actually the vases began by being commissioned by florists to sell with their bouquets. I probably believed they were made especially for me… I’ve always been a romantic. I amassed a huge collection and totally adored them. They, I am sure, helped develop my interest in the glamorous world, to my young eyes, of fashion!! I thought a perfect follow up to last months post on hats…

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

These charmers were always very proper in their attire, hats…of course…pearls…usually…gloves…sometimes and always, always beautifully made up with lush mascared lashes and ruby lips… I was in fashion heaven. This was one of my favorites….want to find her again. This and the one below from Betty Lou Nichols and signed.

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

Another of mine

In doing a bit of research for this post I found out the origins of these nostalgic pieces that occupied a place in time in the mid-20th Century, they, (like so many other objects) fell out of favor, they are now highly collectible. Guess where you can find them… Randolph Street Market, of course!

There were several manufactures who produced these lovelies in the 40s to 70s. Here are some company names that can help you identify your vase: US manufacturers – Betty Lou Nichols and Henry Holt and Japan manufacturers – Napco, Inarco, Lefton, Enesco, Relpo and Reubens. There was also a trend for celebrity vases such as Lucille Ball, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, etc.

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

Lucille Ball and…

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

Grace Kelly and…

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

One of many Marilyn Monroe interpretations this one a rare example…

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

A beauty definitely a 50’s glamour girl…

I am concentrating on Betty Lou Nichols pieces in this post because I am familiar with them.

Betty Lou Nichols was a talented California artist that created some of the most sought after head vases in the collecting world. I found that most, if not all, of my collection were hers. Wish I had them now. When collecting anything always look for a hallmark, a maker’s mark anything that can identify it as the real deal. Always, always engage the vendors in conversation they are experts in their collections and want to share their knowledge with you. You will learn so much more about what you already have or when you want to add items to your treasurers or you are on the hunt for something new that you didn’t know you really wanted but definitely can’t live without!!

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

A book, as always…

Here are some ways to display or actually use your vases, with flowers and other suggestions.

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

Love this collection and its mirrors…I am obsessed with mirrors, are you?! Obviously on shelves….or

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

For your make-up brushes et al…..or perhaps pens etc. on your at-home office workplace…

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

Flowers, of course… beyond charming…

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

Love this collection… wouldn’t it be fun to do at a shower, luncheon or tea to put at each guests place as a remembrance… start collecting now for future events.

I have fallen in love with lady head vases all over again, have I temped you…hope so!

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

Lady Head Vases Randolph Street Market

—–
by Nena Ivon
www.nenasnotes.com
www.facebook.com/Nena Ivon
www.instagram.com/nenasnotes

All photos from Pinterest photo credits unknown.

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Google +
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
Betty Lou Nichols collecting Grace Kelly Inarco Lady Head Lefton Lucille Ball Marilyn Monroe Napco nena ivon nostalgic randolph street market trends Vases vintage

Post navigation

Older Post
Newer Post
  • FAQ
  • Videos
  • About
  • Press Room

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • Pinterest

Tweet Tweet!

  • Woman Tries on Great Grandmother’s 1915 Wedding Dress and It’s Utterly Stunning #NewsBreak https://t.co/LkuZBGYdZH
    7 days ago

Instagram

randolphmarket

View

Mar 30

Open
In honor of our 🎊TWENTY YEAR ANNIVERSARY 🎊in Chicago’s historic West Loop/Fulton Market district, we’ve partnered with some of our most happening neighbors - we invite all to explore the TREASURES OF THE WEST LOOP with this incredible GIVEAWAY!! 🎉

This West Loop Weekend Package is for TWO people (you and your friend/lover/mother/cousin, etc!) ⬇️

-STAY at Robert di Niro’s Nobu Hotel and
-ENJOY rooftop cocktails
-DINE around the globe at neighborhood hot spots Bambola and Coquette
-BRUNCH and COFFEE at Beatrix 
-GIFT at The Fig Tree
-TREASURE HUNT at the world-famous Randolph Street Market!!

We will have multiple hotel/dining/neighborhood fun packages for each of our 3 summer market weekends!! Ready to get in on the RSM Treasures of the West Loop Giveaway? 🥳🙌 Here's how to win:

You must:
✅ like this post
✅ tag 2 friends
✅ share this post to your story
✅ follow our host partners below

THANKS TO OUR GIVEAWAY HOSTS!!
@nobuhotelchicago @bambolachicago @coquettechicago @beatrixrestaurants @thefigtreechicago @west_loop 

*This package is for our May 27+28 Market Weekend only*

#randolphstreetmarket #westloopchicago #westloop #chicagoil #chicagovintage #chicagofood #chicagofun #chicagoart #vintageshopping #vintagehome #chicagoillinois #chitownfood #chicagothingstodo

randolphmarket

View

Mar 29

Open
“An avid gardener, composter, and recycler; assuring that my design footprint is as nominal as possible is so important to me. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night otherwise! Being able to upcycle, share a beautiful object knowing it has likely already had a life of love, is a very fulfilling experience. If only these treasures could talk.... It would be fascinating to hear their stories. Until then, I am just happy to keep them out of landfills and in our beautiful spaces.” - Brianne Bishop, Brianne Bishop Design 🌟⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

🎨Paintings: find these at Randolph booth @hitman_antiques_chicago 🖼️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#vintage #antiques #interiordecorating #randolphstreetmarket #randolphfinds #vintageshopping #vintagechicago #chicagovintage #antiqueart #vintageart #antiques #antiqueshopping

randolphmarket

View

Mar 27

Open
“At Randolph Street Market, I have found some incredible artwork, especially hand drawings and block prints, as well as some awesome African sculptures. I have placed the pieces in my home, and styled them into the homes of my clients. I once bought a chair from the 70s in gold velvet. I had it reupholstered in zebra skin and installed it at a client's home and it was a huge success — original, unique and very chic.”​​​​​​​​
- Anthony Michael, Anthony Michael Interior Design 🌟​​​​​​​​ @anthonymichaelsinteriors
​​​​​​​​
#vintage #interiordecorating #midcenturymodern #antiques #randolphstreetmarket #westloop #westloopchicago #antiqueshopping #vintageshopping #vintageart #antiqueart #antiques #fleamarket #fleamarketfinds #anthonymichaelsinteriors

randolphmarket

View

Mar 24

Open
🌟 There is something for everyone at the Randolph Street Market!! With a fabulous, diverse group of dealers each & every time, it's no wonder RSM was selected as one of the “9 Flea Markets You Must Visit Before You Die” by Better Homes & Gardens 😊️🌸⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Learn more at randolphstreetmarket.com (link in bio)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#randolphstreetmarket #westloop #westloopchicago #fleamarket #chicagovintage #vintagechicago #chicagogram #chicagofun #chicagoil #vintageclothing #antiques #antiquefurniture
Follow on Instagram
© Randolph Street Market 2022 All Rights Reserved. Website designed by COVERT NINE | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions
  • Facebook
  • Instagram