Taking Tea as They Did in the 20s

 

I wanted my wedding gift to my lovely, good friend to be special, to reflect a bit of the Old World style she and her husband-to-be sought to bring to their matrimonial festivities. They didn't go full-on with the 1930s details (as to do so would drive an otherwise cool bride up the wall and over); instead they thoughtfully chose their opportunities, specifically the Art Deco invitation design (created by a multi-talented fiance), the square, black lacquered flowerpot table centerpieces, and an elegant vintage-inspired birdcage veil worn by the bride, pinned at the back of her perfectly styled 'do so as not to obscure her radiant face. Considering this, a set of towels wrapped up in pretty paper just didn't seem right (no offence to those who may have given towels - they were on the registry after all, as they were on my own).

I felt it was my duty to find something truly wonderful from the era so I began my search. One of the first places I visited was the local antique shop on the Tynemouth high street, which houses an incredible collection of 19th century china, the most dainty and intricately detailed cups and saucers that you wouldn't dare drink from. Alas, they were too old, and then there's the risk of it being deemed too stuffy or worse - fuddy duddy. It turns out I went in there on the right day. I asked the owner/dealer for anything 1930s, preferably Art Deco, and he told me he doesn't usually get Art Deco in the shop but a tea set had come in and he'd just finished cleaning it. "Shall I show it to you?" he asked, and next thing I knew there was a stunning, orange-red and black, handpainted ceramic tea set laid out in front of me - complete with pot, sugar bowl, cream jug and four small cups and saucers (the cups from that era seem to be quite tiny). It was near-perfect and appeared to have never been used.

The next thing to do was look up the potters mark on the bottom, which hadn't yet been done as this set of treasures had only just arrived. The dealer showed me the page with the corresponding mark which stated these pieces were made between 1913 - 1930. SOLD! Now only to get it back on the plane without so much as a chip.

And I did get it back with nary a scratch. It was meant to be. I've actually just given the set to my friend tonight and I am pleased to report she loved it and greatly appreciated its character. I knew she would, and that's why I sought it out.

But I didn't stop there. Out of curiosity I did a Google search for the mark and found the saucer - the exact design and colours corresponding with the mark introduced in 1930. There was also the same set in a blue colourway, which they identified as a coffee set (it's up to you, really), 1930s - again, bearing the subsequent mark to the one I'd found. So, it appears they continued with the design into the 30s. A popular one, I reckon.

And a bit about the history: Soho Pottery Ltd. was located in Stoke-on-Trent, England - considered to be the home of the pottery industry in England and commonly known as The Potteries. Excellent - it's from good stock, then. And it's found the same and better in its new home.

Comments

[Tammy]

Although this was given as a wedding gift, and as such intended for the couple....I selfishly considered this gift for myself since I'm the half of the couple who is more impressed by all things vintage.
However, I was delighted to see upon bringing it home that my hubby was eager to unwrap each and every delicate cup and saucer and lay them out to admire the complete set. He loves the colours and yin and yang-esque pattern. I guess I shouldn't be so suprised....he's a design guy after all.
Even better, he's just as enthused as I am to hunt for the perfect antique cabinet in which to display this masterpiece!!!
I am a lucky girl indeed.