The classes that the Sherratt's offered grew, and china painting, till then a neglected field of study, quickly became a continuing endeavor among hundreds of aspiring artists.

J. T. Baines, a nephew of Mrs. Keys, and one of their graduates in hand china painting, became associated with the firm for 12 years, and became an instructor in the decorating department.

In pace with its growing popularity, the store grew quickly and became one of Washington's noted showplaces of expert handiwork in china painting and its accessories.

Directly above the sales rooms were the parlors where classes and private instruction were given daily in all branches of china decorating.

Keys was the sole agent for Washington, D.C., and southern cities for the Revelation China Kiln, and this part of the enterprise grew greatly.