Spirit of Christmas | Rare 1983 Folk Art Design

Launched in 1983 as a dedicated exclusive for the American market, Spirit of Christmas is a masterpiece of "Naive" design. Susan Williams-Ellis looked toward the storied traditions of the United States for inspiration, specifically the geometric precision of Amish quilts and the intricate storytelling of Baltimore Album quilts.

The Paper-Cut Technique

Rather than painting the motifs traditionally, Susan used a physical crafting method that mirrored the construction of a quilt:

• Paper Collage: She hand-cut shapes from both plain and patterned paper to form festive motifs like Christmas trees, stars, and houses.

• The "Naive" Aesthetic: This method gave the designs a slightly flattened, charmingly "imperfect" look typical of traditional folk art.

• Festive Borders: To unify the patchwork motifs, Susan framed each piece with elegant green swags and red bows, providing a classic holiday finish.

A Rare International Journey

While the range was a triumph in major American department stores upon its 1983 launch, its journey was brief:

• The Swedish Connection: In 1984, the design was briefly exported to Sweden, where its clean lines and folk-art roots resonated with Scandinavian tastes.

• Sudden Withdrawal: Shortly after its European debut, the range was withdrawn from production. This limited lifespan, combined with its status as a former geographic exclusive, has made it a "prized" find for collectors in 2026.

Collector’s Insight: The "Baltimore" Search

For those searching for this range today, the most desirable pieces are often the large platters and serving bowls, where the full complexity of the "quilt" motifs can be seen. Because it was an American exclusive, finding these pieces in the UK or elsewhere in Europe is a significant rarity and often indicates a set that has travelled across the Atlantic.

Searching for a rare "Spirit of Christmas" platter? Browse our Spirit Of Christmas pieces here.