Mary Kirk Kelly (AL, 1918-2013), A Group of Assorted Ceramic Fruit

Axis, Alabama, late 20th century, (31) pieces, to include: (10) bananas, (5) apples, (2) pears with stem and leaf, (1) pear, (2) peaches, (10) apricots, and (1) lemon; all signed "Mary Kirk Kelly."

Longest banana 9 in.; Apricots approximately 1 5/8 x 1 1/2 x 1 5/8 in.

Collection of the Leggett Family, Danville, Virginia

Mary Kirk Kelly was born in Axis, Alabama in 1918. Her father owned a brick yard which used local clays, so it was quite fitting that Kelly would turn to ceramics after retiring as a teacher. She began first with the standard plates and mugs, but found her true calling after a neighbor asked her to make a replica of a prized cabbage he had grown.

Occasional very light mark; bananas with tiny chips and small areas of rubbing to ends; one pear with flake to leaf edge, the other with repairs to the leaf and stem with associated small chips.

Schedule Preview