Madonna & Child Figurine from Florence

Florence Ward didn't like the religious figures on the market at the time. She made several religious pieces, but not that many. There are four different known religious pieces, a standing "Our Lady Of Grace" and two standing figurines of "Madonna" (one with a child, and one without a child). And the fourth (shown here) is a "Madonna & Child" bust.

She is beautifully done in gleaming white with very fine hand painted details and gold trim work . Even the details on the child are done with loving care.

The artistic flare that florence puts into every piece designed by only herself and the incredible workmanship of her workers at the plant in Pasadena CA are a credit to these works of art.

What started out as a hobby in the 1939 and the early 1940's, became a labor of love for the whole Ward Family during the 40's, 50's, and 60's. When Clifford Ward Senior and their son, Clifford Ward Jr. returned home after the war. They were surprised that Florence turned her hobby into a going business for the family guys to step right into. Clifford Sr. was running the ceramics molding operation, while Clifford Jr. was running the day to day business and overseeing the whole operation. They continued to build the business and operated two smaller facilities before they moved into the final 13,000 Sq/Ft location in 1948. This was a highly designed state-of-the-art facility with all of the latest equipment.

Florence, herself stayed quite busy at designing and creating new pieces for their production line. She also loved to give afternoon tours of the Pasadena plant facility. She was very proud of the successful business that she had built up from her little hobby in the garage of their home.

The workers at the plant really enjoyed their jobs and working with the Ward Family. And the Florence Ceramics Company was one of the first companies to use many new technologies like "Air Brush Painting" and using a "Tunnel Kiln" for the ceramics firings. They also created multiple parts for many of the Figurines and assembled them into completed figures ready of painting and final glazing. This was really break-thru technology for their day. They even developed a method of using real lace and dipping into a ceramic slurry and applying it to the figurines before the glazing operation.

Well, enough for today. Enjoy your Florence Ladies

RP__for Mildred

Florence Figurine - Lillian

In todays post, I would like you to meet Lillian. She is 7.25" tall and elegant in her beautiful pink and white layered style dress with gold edging on her hat and bolero jacket. Many of the Florence ladies were named and the name is placed on the bottom of the figurine. That is one of the reasons my Mother loved to collect the Florence ladies.

Mom would share and personalize each piece by name. Each time I look at the ladies it brings fond memories of the smiles on my mother.

Lillian is one of the Godey figurines and I believe one of the most popular. Lillian's dress was fashioned from the "Godey's Lady's Magazine" that was published in the early 1800's. The ornate fashions featured in the magazine were worn by the leisurely ladies of that time, and definitely not worn by women who were responsible for the care of their families, home or farms. Florence Ward produced a large group of these ladies in several different scales.

The detail in the craftsmenship of the porcelain figures and hand painting is simply incredible. Each piece is a work of love, and it shows. I can understand why mom loved her collection so much. She really enjoyed sharing them with everyone that showed interest in them.

Well, enough for now. We will share another fine Florence Figurine with you next time.

RP for Mildred

Florence Figurine Study "Steven"

A Study of "Florence of Pasadena"

For our first blog post. We would like you to meet one of the Florence Guy's. This is "Steven" and he is tipping his hat to all the ladies. He is a real charmer, and his detail is very remarkable. The Florence men figurines are becoming rare to find, especially with no damage or flaws. Over the next few months we will introduce you to many of the fine hand-crafted figurines and some other works by the Florence Porcelain Company, as collector's called them Florence of Pasadena.


Florence Figures were produced in Pasadena CA where production started in 1939 and continued into the 1960's. Florence Ward took up clay modeling in 1939 to help her get through the grief of losing their youngest son. Her early pieces then were mostly of children. But her talent was very evident. Her family, friends, and neighbors convinced her to try in marketing her work. When an order for 84 pieces came in, she decided take the next step and to move from a hobby to a business. Florence Ward remained the exclusive designer on all of the Florence line. She had lots of time available, with her Husband and oldest son now off to war. So began a life long endevor of putting a little beauty into the world at a very dark period of time.


We will continue her story with other postings very soon, and many other figures. Check back with us soon. Please give us your comments and thoughts.

RP....for Mildred.