(12) Royal Doulton Cabinet Plates, Custom for Ruth Coltrane Cannon (NC, 1891-1965)

Made in England, 1925, each featuring a hand-painted scene of lady and exotic bird the garden with scene signed "N.L. Woodings" to the lower right, rim decorated with gilt encrusted floral basket and scrolled designs, the reverse with company green backstamp and additionally marked "MADE EXPRESSLY FOR / Ruth Coltrane Cannon / 1925".

10 1/2 in.

Born to a banker’s family in Cabarrus County, Ruth Coltrane married Charles Cannon, longtime president of Cannon Mills Company in Kannapolis. A history major at Greensboro College, Ruth Cannon was a stalwart member of heritage groups including the Colonial Dames and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Cannon’s true mark, however, came about independently of those organizations. In 1939, she was among the founders of the North Carolina Society for the Preservation of Antiquities, a group that still exists today as Preservation North Carolina. That same year she headed the book committee for the Garden Clubs of North Carolina and began an initiative that resulted in the publication of pioneering Old Homes and Gardens of North Carolina. She presented a copy to Governor Clyde Hoey in late 1939.

Cannon was instrumental in organizing the restoration of Tryon Palace and Historic Bath, and she helped to found the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo. The Cannon Cup, which she established and is named for her husband, has been given each year since 1948 for distinguished work in historical research, preservation, and restoration.

Good estate condition; some light rubbing to gilt; one with light scratches to center scene.