#566 Patience Brewster Nativity

Acquired 2010

While on our way to San Diego for our Southern Gospel Music Mexican Riviera Cruise in October 2010, I was thumbing through a Grandinroad Mail Order Catalog that Wilma Pound had and I saw this incredible, elegant, but expensive nativity set - one I'd never seen before! Its styling and design were noticeably quite different and eye catching. However, the price was also eye catching! So, I set the catalog aside. When the cruise was over, I continued to think about this unique set and finally, with Bob's permission, in November 2010, I decided to “bite the bullet” and order it!It is exquisitely detailed by artist Patience Brewster, from Plymouth, Massachusetts. She has been creating her unique pieces since 2004 with the nativity being released in 2009. The 20 pieces are created by hand-molding in stone resin molds and then hand-painted; after molding and painting each piece is individually finished with small details including feathers and jewels. The set has absolute heirloom quality. It is quite large when all 20 pieces are displayed. It includes a 17” thatch roof stable and a separate star and angel that hover over the Holy Family elevated on delicate silver tripod stands. Baby Jesus fits into the manger or in Mary's arms. The accompanying palm trees stand 21” tall! The total purchase price was $999.