Aida Whedon Mid-Century Modern Porcelain & Cherry Wood Decorative Tray - Butterflies & Botanical Design

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…. A charming and highly collectible serving tray featuring the collaborative artistry of American Regionalist painter and ceramicist Aida Whedon … Read more …. A charming and highly collectible serving tray featuring the collaborative artistry of American Regionalist painter and ceramicist Aida Whedon (1915-1994) and her husband Dan Whedon's expert woodworking. This 12" x 18" tray beautifully exemplifies mid-century modern design sensibilities with its clean lines and organic subject matter.
The centerpiece is a hand-painted porcelain tile showcasing Whedon's distinctive illustrative style—delicate butterflies in soft pink, blue, and green hues flutter among stylized tulip-like botanical forms rendered in warm golden yellows and browns. The artist's signature "Whedon" appears in the lower right corner of the tile. The symmetrical composition demonstrates the balanced, nature-inspired aesthetic that characterized mid-century decorative arts and Aida's focus on flora and fauna subjects.
The porcelain tile is set within a handcrafted cherry wood frame with beveled edges, constructed by Dan Whedon from wood harvested from the family farm in Vermont. The rich, warm tones of the cherry complement the cream background of the porcelain beautifully, creating an heirloom-quality piece that bridges function and art.
Born in 1915, Aida Anthony Whedon was a talented artist of the American Regionalist movement who painted, drew, etched and printed MutualArt. She studied under legendary artists Thomas Hart Benton and Hans Hofmann at the Art Students League from 1933-1938, showing her work for the first time in 1937 at the Maynard Walker Gallery in New York. After marrying sculptor Daniel Whedon, Aida and family moved to Port Washington on Long Island, where Aida and Daniel started making furniture and home decor, catering to the area's affluent families MutualArt.
The couple made tables and ceramic tile-framed mirrors, with Aida drawing floral and fauna scenes on transparent paper that assistants traced onto tiles, while Dan worked with the wood MutualArt. This tray represents their collaborative process during what one curator called "the pre-Martha Stewart period" of post-war American home design.
Aida's work was featured in the 2023 exhibition "Out of the Box" at Montgomery Center for the Arts in Vermont, which showcased rediscovered pieces from the family's Montgomery barn. Her work has been exhibited at prestigious venues including Lincoln Center and is held in collections at universities and museums.
This tray represents a beautiful example of American mid-century studio craft, where fine art meets functional design, connecting the Vermont landscape to sophisticated Long Island homes.
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with minimal wear consistent with age and gentle use.
Dimensions: 12" H x 18" W
Materials: Hand-painted porcelain tile, Vermont cherry wood
Period: Mid-20th Century (1950s-1960s)
Style: Mid-Century Modern, American Regionalist, Studio Craft
Signed: Yes, signed "Whedon" on porcelain tile
Provenance: Created by Aida Whedon with woodwork by Dan Whedon using cherry wood from the family farm in Vermont. Featured at Montgomery Center for the Arts "Out of the Box" exhibition, 2023. See less