Text by Holly Seng
Growing up, Meg Massie recalls that, for her family, no out-of-town getaway was complete without an excursion to an antiques store. Her parents have always had a passion for timeworn treasures, a love they passed along to Meg and her sister. However, Meg’s affinity for tole trays transpired thanks to a very influential great-aunt.
“She had some beautiful trays and tole pieces,” says Meg, who now shares an enthusiasm for collecting tole trays with her mother, sister, and sister-in-law. “All four of us have them in our homes and love finding and displaying them.”
Tole painting refers to the application of paint and lacquer to tin as an effort to prevent the objects from rusting—imparting a decorative aesthetic to everyday items. Pretty and practical, the technique was developed in Wales around 1660, but it wasn’t until the 1880s that the style reached its height of popularity. By the 1950s, American companies, such as Plymouth, began mass-producing the trays.
Available in a range of sizes, colors, and price points depending on age, condition, and subject matter, tole trays are a versatile option for new and seasoned collectors alike. Many build their collections based on a particular color—black, dusty blue, and red, to name a few—or the featured design, with florals being a prevalent option.
“I love finding something that you don’t see regularly,” says Meg of the quality she looks for most. When she came across a pair of oval trays in a striking Kelly green hue, she knew she’d eventually have a design built around the unique finds. About 20 years later, she discovered a rectangular tray that tied together perfectly, and the three trays are now featured in her guest bedroom, which boasts a captivating green-and-white palette.
While Meg enjoys thinking up innovative ways to display her latest additions among favorite pieces, nothing quite compares to the thrill of the hunt. “There is just nothing more fun than to unexpectedly find something you love that’s going to bring warmth to your home,” she says.
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