Visiting MacKenzie-Childs Headquarters: The inside Scoop

Just a few short weeks ago I had the privilege of visiting one of the cutest little towns in upstate New York.  I’m talking about Aurora, NY… a place I hadn’t heard of before, but a destination I would love to visit again! MacKenzie-Childs headquarters have long been a part of Aurora’s  history.  Some of you might be wondering why visiting a company headquarters would be all that fun, but let me tell you, as someone new to MacKenzie-Childs, it was a breath of funky, artistic fresh air.

So here’s the scoop!  I am always drawn to color, whimsy, and anything with a fun flair, so when MacKenzie-Childs contacted me about working together, it was an immediate YES!  Unlike some of it’s life long fans (we are talking generations of fanatical collectors) , this was my first introduction.  I immediately fell in love with their famous Courtly Check black and white pattern and their vintage florals- adorning many of the MacKenzie-Childs pieces, but I had no idea visiting the MacKenzie-childs headquarters would make a collector out of me too!

So what happened on this 4 day trip to the MacKenzie-Childs headquarters that converted me to its charm?  I learned about the rich history behind this brand and the artistry that goes into each piece.  Founded in 1983 by a husband wife design team, MacKenzie-Childs has grown into a large company producing hand painted ceramics, hand painted furniture, and loads of collectable goodies. These artisans work on what was once a 65 acre dairy farm.  Part of the farm still remains and can be toured by visitors.  You can also see the production process by video, but I was among the lucky group that got the personal tour.  I met the artists that hand paint and initial each ceramic piece that they produce.  Instead of conveyer belts loaded with merchandise, there stood painters and clay formers creating these one of a kind works of art.  If you’ve ever wondered why Mackenzie-Childs products carry the price tag that they do, I hope I have answered that here.  Each piece is truly unique and beautiful!

Visiting MacKenzie-Childs Headquarters: The inside Scoop

MacKenzie-Childs Studio &  Grounds

The Production Process

MacKenzie-Childs Farmhouse

Inside MacKenzie-Childs Farmhouse

The Aurora Inn Where we Stayed

I got to experience first hand a few steps of the production process.  We did some clay forming and some ceramic painting.  Let’s just say It gave me a new found respect for the skill that each of these artisans poses!

I even got to try my hand at mixing MacKenzie-Childs patterned ceramics.  What do you think?  Did I succeed?

If there is on thing I took away from this trip, it’s that each MC piece is truly a one of a kind piece of art.  You can pattern play all day, or just introduce colorful moments of MacKenzie-Childs throughout your home.  If you’d like to see how I integrate the whimsical style of MacKenzie-Childs into my home, you can click on the links below.

Black & White Halloween Mantel

Jewel Toned Fall front Porch

Floral & Citrus Summer Brunch

A colorful fall Home Tour

Christmas tour coming soon!

*A big THANK YOU to MacKenzie-Childs and staff for hosting myself and friends on this once in a lifetime trip!  I am so thankful for this opportunity and wanted to share my experience with all of you! You can take a look at some of my own MacKenzie-Childs pieces below.  As always, thanks for stopping in!

*Affiliate links used.  Although I do make a small commission on sales, the cost is the same to you.  Thank you so much for shopping with me.

 

 

 

 

Add to favorites or read later