Victoria MacKenzie-Childs, co-founder of the renowned home decor and ceramics brand MacKenzie-Childs, has passed away at the age of 77. The news of her death was confirmed by a company representative and was shared on social media by her sister, Donnie MacKenzie.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Victoria-MacKenzie-Childs-3626-ebd46883d5ed404d8e5c8abdd318b795.jpg)
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Donnie MacKenzie announced that her sister had died on Wednesday, March 4. She expressed her deep sorrow and fond memories of Victoria’s influence on her life, highlighting her unique approach to design and her pursuit of creative freedom. “I already miss you so much, but am so grateful for the impressions you left on me on how to design life with unlimited freedom; without limits or boundaries!” she wrote, offering condolences to her brother-in-law, Richard, during this challenging time.
MacKenzie-Childs was established in 1983 by Victoria and her husband, Richard, in Cayuga County, New York. The brand quickly gained recognition for its distinctive “Courtly Check” pattern, which drew inspiration from chessboards and the iconic black-and-white tiles of Westminster Abbey. This signature design contributed to the brand’s successful placement in prestigious retail outlets such as Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.
Despite its early success, the company faced significant financial challenges in the early 2000s, ultimately leading to bankruptcy proceedings. In 2001, Victoria and Richard sold the business to Pleasant Rowland, the creator of the American Girl doll brand. Under Rowland’s ownership, MacKenzie-Childs underwent restructuring before being sold to equity firm Twin Lakes Capital a decade later. The brand is presently owned by EagleTree Capital.
Following the sale, the couple established a new venture named Victoria and Richard Emprise, which focused on home furnishings and jewelry. In 2003, they acquired the Yankee Ferry, which had previously serviced Ellis Island, transforming it into a floating studio where they lived and worked. Victoria recounted in a documentary that they hadn’t anticipated staying on the ferry long-term; however, after continuous late-night work sessions, it became a comfortable alternative to their previous cramped living situation in Manhattan.
Born in San Francisco, Victoria pursued her artistic passions and completed a Master of Fine Arts degree alongside Richard at Alfred University in New York. Her remarkable creativity and leadership were provisions that laid the groundwork for what has become a lasting legacy in the world of home decor.
In response to her passing, the MacKenzie-Childs brand released a statement expressing their sorrow. “It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Victoria MacKenzie-Childs, one of the original founders of MacKenzie-Childs,” the statement read. “Her creative spirit laid the foundation of the brand carried on by our company today. Our thoughts are with her husband Richard and her loved ones during this difficult time.”
Victoria MacKenzie-Childs is survived by her husband Richard and their daughter, Heather Chaplet. Her impact on the world of design and her contributions to the creative community will be remembered fondly by both those who knew her and the many fans of her work.
As tributes pour in, it is clear that Victoria’s legacy will continue to inspire individuals to embrace unshackled creativity and pursue their artistic visions with confidence.