Ernestine: Modern woman, timeless designer

Ernestine Virden Cannon in Ravello, Italy photo: Stanley Marcus

It all began with the ceramics, naturally. An appreciation of these pieces sparked a deep interest about the woman herself, Ernestine Virden Cannon.

Alongside her partner in life and work, Matteo D’Agostino, Ernestine designed and manufactured an array of sophisticated yet playful tabletop and home goods in Italy. From the post-World War II era through the 1970s, their Ernestine Salerno ceramics became coveted symbols of modern elegance, gracing the homes of luminaries like Jackie Kennedy and even the British royal family.

Little was known about Ernestine’s life before her illustrious design career in Italy. Scattered online accounts portray her as a San Francisco “society” girl who, in her thirties, relocated to Italy. There, she weathered World War II—either in hiding or internment, depending on the source—before meeting Matteo and founding their celebrated company.

Fueled by curiosity, I was determined to find out more about this fascinating woman. I would not be disappointed.