The National Association of Warwick China and Pottery Collectors has decided to discontinue its official club activities. As of its Sept. 9 meeting, the club members decided to change its format to a simple get-together twice a year.

Additionally, the club is donating all remaining funds in its treasury to the South Wheeling Preservation Alliance.

The decision came about after the September meeting of the local members and was made in part because of a lack of the ability to find active officers, according to treasurer Betty June Wymer.

“We still plan on meeting every December and June and have a covered-dish event. We all enjoy socializing and discussing Warwick. But now we’ll join the South Wheeling Preservation Alliance and support their endeavors,” Wymer said.

The preservation alliance is very active in Wheeling and works to preserve and enhance the neighborhood where many of Warwick’s former employees once lived.

Led by president Ginger Kabala, it meets at 7:15 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3536 Eoff St.

Warwick China Co. has long been one of the big names in Wheeling collectibles. The art pottery, porcelain dinnerware and novelties that the company turned out were made right here in Wheeling from 1888 until 1951.

Warwick’s factory was located at 22nd and Water streets in Wheeling, now the location of Orrick law firm. Producing both hand-painted and transferware plates, vases, teapots, coffeepots, pitchers, bowls and jardinieres, Warwick is widely known for its distinctive Warwick “Ladies.” These collectibles are decorated with delicate decals or photographs of women dressed in costume, to resemble gypsies or Gibson Girls. Some are thought to be photographs of actual women from the streets, possibly prostitutes.

Other popular images found on Warwick pieces include Indians, monks, historical figures and dogs. Avid collectors of Warwick keep a sharp eye out for new portrait pieces popping up on the web or in antique periodicals. The portrait porcelain is becoming harder and harder to find.

The National Association of Warwick China and Pottery Collectors has been around since the year 2000 and claimed close to 100 members from all over the United States.

Though the china factory closed in 1951, its influence on Wheeling’s history and the history of china has continued.

For more information on the Warwick club and its future gatherings, call Wymer at 304-232-3031. She welcomes all inquiries and is happy to share her love for this collectible china.

For comments or suggestions on local treasures to be featured in Antique of the Week, Maureen Zambito can be reached via email at: zambitomaureen@hotmail.com or by writing in care of this newspaper.