Connecting through Collecting

Kelly's kitchen

Dear Readers,

Early this year, I spoke to my uncle, Brad Keeler, the eldest son of my grandfather Brad Keeler and my mother's brother. This summer, I had a conversation with his granddaughter, Kelly. Lke me, she has connected with our family history through collecting Brad Keeler ceramics. I thought I owned a lot of his work, but, whew!, she has me beat. I've not seen a larger collection of his ceramics anywhere else.

Below, find the story behind her collection, and a little more insight into the family that to this day finds a family connection through collection.

All photos included here courtesy of Kelly Kranz.

~

Connecting through Collecting: An Interview with Kelly Kranz

August 2020

Cati Porter: First, can you please tell readers (and me) a little about yourself? We’ve not met in person, but I know we’re cousins. Your grandfather is my mom Heather’s brother, the eldest of Brad Keeler’s children. 

Kelly Kranz: I am the Great-Granddaughter of Brad Keeler. His son, also named Brad Keeler is my maternal Grandpa. I live in Independence, MO just outside of Kansas City. 

 

CP: In a previous post, I interviewed your grandpa Brad. For our readers, can you tell us a little about your relationship with him? How did you come to learn about Brad Keeler Artwares?

KK: I am very close with my Grandpa Brad who also lives in Independence, MO. Growing up I always admired the Brad Keeler rooster plate hanging on the kitchen wall above the sink. I can remember the many stories of “Big Brad” (great-grandpa) and “Little Brad” (grandpa) as they were always referred to. I love hearing the stories my grandpa tells about how he worked in the pottery factory and how his Dad operated the business. My very first home I purchased was actually only 2 blocks up the street from my Grandparents house of 60+ years! I always visited my Grandparents and would always stop by when out walking my dogs in the neighborhood. When I bought my first home at age 23, I started my own Keeler pottery collection. I have since moved but still live within a few miles of their home. 

CP: I'd always thought I had a pretty extension collection, but one day my mom showed me pictures of yours. I was blown away. You’ve got the biggest Brad Keeler collection of anyone I know! About how many pieces do you own?

KK: I would estimate I have close to 200 pieces of pottery. I have a large antique display cabinet FULL of nothing but Keeler pottery, plus I have decorated with many pieces throughout my entire home. 

CP: Which piece was your first and how did you acquire it?

KK: This is a great question and honestly, I do not remember what my first piece was! I’m going to guess it was a standard flamingo or pair of yellow cockatiels as those are more common pieces. 

CP: Do you have any favorites?

KK: Yes! My absolute favorite are the monkeys with Catherine Keeler's name on them. I believe I have one of each design which is 8 different monkeys. These have been EXTREMELY hard to find but I think I finally have them all. 

CP: What is the appeal of collecting, for you? 

KK: I love antiques and history. Because these are made by my Great-Grandpa it was a no brainer to start collecting. I will never sell any of them and I hope long after I am gone they will always remain within the Keeler family. 

CP: How do you go about collecting? (Online, or in person, or…?)

KK: I look EVERYWHERE for the pottery. I have only been lucky 3 or 4 times finding pieces in person at antique stores. Of course when I tell the store owners they get so excited knowing the history and that they are going to someone in the family. I even had one antique dealer near St. Louis MO get so excited knowing who my mom and I were that he wrapped up his own personal collection of Keeler pottery from his home and met us at a coffee shop to see his pieces. He offered all of them to us which of course we couldn’t leave without buying several pieces! Otherwise online is the best bet to find pieces.

 

CP: Are there any particular pieces you’re seeking out right now?

KK: I still keep an eye out for pottery but I’m not looking for anything in particular. I’m fairly confident I have the majority of all his pieces. 

CP: Any tidbits your grandpa or other family might have shared over the years about the family ceramics business or the family?

KK: Yes, two things that really come to mind are:

1) He was personal friends with Walt Disney and helped create some of his characters. I always thought that was so cool.

2) I love the stories about how a salesman or someone important in a suit would come by the factory and ask to speak with the owner, Mr. Keeler. A worker would point at him and he would be physically working whether that be on pottery or sweeping and cleaning the floors. The salesman would always say no no, the owner but yes, that was him. I love how he never had the mentality that he was too successful to do things, such as sweeping the floors. 

CP: Last question: Do you think you will ever stop collecting? Any advice for other collectors?

KK: Never! I love antique shopping and it’s always exciting when you see a piece, check it out and see it is indeed his. I love the thrill of finding treasures!

Just to keep looking everywhere you go. I was lucky enough one time to find a little rabbit at the Goodwill! It doesn’t matter where you are, always keep your eyes open and you’ll acquire more pieces. It has taken me 12 years to build my collection.