Edition #23: Judy Miller Decorative Wall Plates
Bringing back decorative plates, one bath scene at a time.
Hanging plates on the wall for decor may seem like an old people thing, but more and more, we’re seeing trends come back around for the younger generation. I’m not condoning hanging your grandma’s China above your TV, I am saying it’s worth reconsidering what’s just a geriatric aesthetic. While researching this trend, I came across an artist with an incredibly unique style named Judy Miller. These are definitely not what you’re picturing when you hear “decorative plates”. Hers are decorated with intimate scenes of family life, like dinner being cooked, TV being watched, and beds being occupied. Each plate has a rather fisheye feel to the design and some are adorned with metallic or iridescent glaze and sometimes a mirror or two. These are examples mostly from the ‘80s, but she still makes them today!
Vtg Judy Miller Signed Studio Pottery 1980 Woman Garter Belt Nylons Bra Risque on eBay: I just love the proportions in this design. There’s a theme in a lot of her stuff that’s just sexy enough to make a conservative mom blush if you had it hanging on your wall.
1980's Judy Miller " the Bath "" Wall Art Pottery Plate on Etsy: Doesn’t this look like the perfect Sunday? I love the reflection in the mirror to add more detail.
6" Art Pottery Plate Judy Miller Woman Black White Dog Breasts Cleavage RARE on eBay: I don’t love the inclusion of “Breasts Cleavage” in the product name but I also get why they included it.
Vintage 1985 JUDY MILLER Plate Sudio Art Ceramic 12" Artist Signed Handcrafted on eBay: This is one of the examples that includes a metallic glaze to add depth. I love the perspective that she did here, with it feeling like you’re staring at a scene behind you in a mirror.
VTG Signed Art Pottery Clay Plate by Judy Miller Bathroom Scene with Lady in Tub on eBay: Another bathroom scene! I love the monstera leaves poking in from the left — I’m jealous they get enough light to have a tropical plant in their bathroom.
Vintage Judy Miller California Pottery Plate Bathroom Sink Mirror Wall Plate on eBay: Okay, the last bathroom scene I chose, but they’re all so good! This one includes an actual mirror attached to the back that reflects through a carved hole in the plate.
Judy Miller Studio Art Pottery Plate Couple In Bed Handmade Signed 1982 on eBay: The pattern on the bedspread is something I want in a skirt. I love the little moment of intimacy we’re getting with this couple. The headboard metallic gold!
1980's Judy Miller Wall Art Pottery Plate/ Watching TV in Bed Plate/ Vintage Judy Miller Signed Pottery on Etsy: Her scenes depict such small moments of safeness and comfort. This is my dream Friday night.
Judy Miller Wall Plate Romantic Dinner 1985 California Art Pottery - 10” on eBay: The detail in this dinner scene is just so good. I love the broccoli and the lemon wedge.
Judy Miller Plate 6.25" Woman Relaxing After Party 1980 on eBay: Honestly, good for her.
Honorable Mentions:
What terms were searched:
Judy Miller pottery plate
Judy Miller plate
Decorative pottery plate ‘80s
Welcome to Finder’s Keepers
This is the newsletter dedicated to leaving no vintage stone unturned. Each edition will cater to a rabbit hole that I fell down one night and include an assortment of vintage finds that make you question “Why did anyone own this?” followed quickly by “Should I own this?”
My method is simple: I attach a keyword or phrase to the item and go digging, spending hours each week combing through hundreds of pages of Etsy and Ebay bric-a-brac. It’s chaotic but satisfactory, like looking through every rack and bin at a thrift store for those that partake in the more visceral act of going in person. I like to sit on my couch.