By Ann Nichols
annsnichols@aol.com
The birds have descended on Houston Museum of Decorative Arts. Unlike the California coastal town of Bodega Bay made famous in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 thriller “The Birds,” the museum is an inviting place for visitors to gather to see a variety of interpretations of birds.
“Birds of a Feather,” Houston’s special exhibit through May, features pitchers, plates, lamps, mugs, napkin rings, banks and tea sets with motifs of birds. Other objects were molded or formed into the shape of a bird like the 1883 cast-iron mechanical bank and an antique Majolica pitcher.
One of the most beautiful pieces on display, according to the museum’s director Amy Frierson, is a mold-blown, late-19th century cruet bottle with an enameled decoration of a bluebird on a flowering branch.
Herons appear to be a popular bird for artists to feature as it can be found on a clear water pitcher from the 1890s, two green crackle-glass water pitchers and several Majolica items.
Considered a rare find, two clear glass napkin rings attributed to the Sandwich Glass Works Company, serve dual purposes. In addition to holding napkins, one can be used a as a salt dish and the other as a salt shaker.
So, no seagulls, swifts or crows to frighten Tippi Hedren at this venue.
The Houston, 201 High St., is open 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $9 for adults and $3.50 for 4-17. Free tours are available. Call 267-7176.