THE WOMAN WHO STARTED IT ALL
Affectionately known as “Momma” to far more than her own four children, Lee Gravely was the woman who started it all. Her husband was in the tobacco exporting business, and his international business partners often came to visit them in Rocky Mount, NC. Lee’s two daughters and eventual business partners, Susan and Frances, remember their mother as an elegant hostess who always welcomed their guests with graciousness and joy.
Two years after her husband’s death, Lee decided that a trip was in order. She invited her daughters to explore Italy with her, a place she had always longed to visit.
The Gravelys quickly fell in love with Italian culture, and they were especially captivated by the handpainted ceramic dinnerware at the Il San Pietro Hotel in Positano. Inspired to share their treasures with friends and family, the women decided to import ceramics to America, and the idea for VIETRI was born. "The rest of the story is like a fairy tale," Lee remembered.
Lee was warm and wise, strong and stylish, graceful and generous. She had a way of making everyone feel valued, and her spirit lives on in VIETRI’s mission to celebrate life and cherish the moments that bring joy to our lives.
My mother and I collect all collections of bistro! High quality and so beautiful. I am interested in your candlestick of busty colorful woman holding up 3 candles in the Southern Living magazine. Where can I find it?
Also I lived in high point, Greensboro and Winston Salem NC. We now live in California.
Beautiful dishes and outside decorating. I go for the sales and outlet. I can’t justify the regular cost but love to collect the dishes.
Happy Mothers Day!
I love your products.
I love everything that VIETRI makes💕Great product‼️
It does my heart good to see your sweet mother today. What a part of my life she was. And, it’s always neat to be reminded of that life-changing trip that y’all took. What guts you had to “go for it.” And, the rest is history. Ti amo Lee!
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