Collectible Plates Fade in and Out of Favor Over the Years

My husband and I received several porcelain collectible plates as gifts over the years. Then we inherited quite a few porcelain collectible plates. Soon we had too many. The plates are all quite interesting, the art work is varied, and the subject matter is very broad. Even though they are all pieces of art worthy of display and admiration we just had way too many for our home. We needed to decide which ones to keep and to display, which ones to give to family and friends, and which ones to dispose of.

The plates in the picture are prints by Terry Redlin. We became fond of his art work when we were in North Dakota and had a chance to stop by his studio in South Dakota. We decided to keep and to display the Redlin plates. The plates in the picture are displayed on a display shelf in our apartment for the time being. We do have beautiful oak frames for each of the plates and will sometimes display them in the frames.

Other plates that we decided to keep may be displayed on a side table, on a display stand in a cabinet or hung on a wall. The art work on the plate help to determine if the plate should be hung on a wall for year around display or if it is a seasonal subject that could be displayed on a table for a short time each year.

Other collectible plates have become gifts to our daughters. Several of the plates we inherited had our daughters names on them and were meant to be gifts to them I'm sure.

We have noticed quite a few collectible plates in antique shops. Some shops will have an entire display are covered with collectible plates. It is fascinating to see the many different artists represented. There are plates with designs for almost everyone to enjoy. Many of the subjects I have seen include nature, trains, vintage tractors, other vehicles, historical figures, historic events, animals, advertising materials, and popular pop culture icons.

I think that the plates, like most collectibles, are a beauty to the eye of the beholder. They may or may not be valuable as a collectible. The worth of the collectible plate is in the enjoyment of the owner and in sharing the plate with others. By displaying the plate the owner is sharing a bit of their own enjoyment. I enjoy seeing what others are displaying in their home. Sometimes the collector plate compliments the theme of the room where it is displayed. Sometimes the collector plate brings a whole new presence to the room. But in any case it is art work that is enjoyable to view.

Collectible plates have been items that fade in and out of popularity for years. If you have some packed away somewhere do unpack them and display them. Many people will enjoy seeing them.