Janet can still recall her first ceramic purchase, it was a Shelley Tall Trees Bowls which she spotted in a local antique shop. This 1920s design of black trees set against a white background with a bright yellow sun caught her eye, it stimulated a long lasting passion for collecting Shelley Porcelain. Janet, soon found that like most ceramic enthusiasts she wanted to add other items to her collection, particularly those which were influenced by the Art Deco period. The strong use of colour and geometric shapes is a good indication as to whether an item was manufactured in the 1920 and 1930s, however the real clue is the mark to the base of most pieces which clearly identifies not only the date but the manufacturer, it tells a story of where and when that particular item was produced, the secret is to understand the Marks.

These can be Incised, Impressed, Painted or Printed.

Small hand written marks tended to be used Pre 1800s, the decoration, shape and style of the item also helps to attribute manufacturer.

The kite shaped mark with Rd was used from 1842-83.

The use of coloured marks were introduced after 1850, as was the use of the word ‘Royal’

The use of  Ltd/limited appear after 1860 and the term Trademark is seen after 1862.

Registration numbers were introduced in 1884 and the word England dates from 1891.

Famous companies such as Wedgwood, Minton’s, Derby and Worcester have all used a variety of numerical or symbol codes, a quick look in a reference book will provide the exact date of production. These are a few of the basics to understanding Ceramic marks, below are a few examples.

This is a good example of a Mark that tells a story, it gives details of where it was manufactured  and the pattern name, these details make it much simpler to trace the date of production which was the 1950s. This pattern is another of Janet’s favourites, the black on white design is as fashionable now as it was when it was first introduced.

These Royal Crown Derby Marks tell us a number of things, firstly and most obviously, the manufacturer, they also tell us that they were produced at different times, look at the use of the word England, the first mark is dated  from 1921 -1965, the symbol at the bottom will give the exact year, the second mark just has the word England, Made in England was introduced in 1910 so this mark suggests it could be an earlier piece,  the use of the vertical England was used between 1891-1921. The hidden story on the first mark is that a faint line which runs through it shows that the factory marked it as seconds, this may be due to a small flaw in the pattern or the gilding, many collector’s would not want to add this to their collection.

The Beswick company was established in Staffordshire in the 1920s, originally it produced table wares and ornaments such as Staffordshire cats and dogs. By the 1930s it was producing high quality china figurines,  farm animals, horses and dogs,the famous flying ducks which once were considered vulgar have now became popular collector’s items. Disney characters and Beatrix Potter figures were added to the range in the 1940s and the figurines are probably what Beswick pottery is best known for. However, Beswick some pronounce it as Besick did respond to the demand  for fashion pottery during the 1950s and 60s and it is the bold abstract designs such as the Circus, Ballet and Zebra-striped table ware that Janet is most interested in.

As with many china manufacturers who saw consolidation and mergers as the way forward Beswick  sold to Royal Doulton in 1969, the production of figures continued but the Beswick backstamp was dropped, the company ceased production in 2002.

Below is one of Janet’s favourite Beswick items, it makes her smile whenever she looks at the 1950s Majolica Pineapple piled high with fruit sitting majestically on her black glass dining table.

Janet has a passion for ceramics, she has been adding pieces to her collection for a number of years. Occasionally as her tastes have changed and when space has been at a premium she has reluctantly sold certain items. John has often argued that if there was a fire, the ceramics would always be Janet’s first priority, his safety would undoubtedly be an after thought. Janet has lovingly gathered many items over the years she has also learnt a little about the ceramics she has chosen to collect, it seems appropriate that she shares her enthusiasm and limited knowledge, it may encourage readers to look at ceramics differently, to perhaps connect with the social history of porcelain production but most importantly discover the joy of owning beautiful objects that may very well increase in value.

Aynsley is one of the best known names in British Ceramics, John Aynsley began manufacturing China in Staffordshire in the 1790s, the Family business expanded rapidly during the 1800s,  a highly skilled workforce produced china with strong artistic designs, rich colours and intricate gilding. This attention to design, a shrewdness for business combined with a concern for the welfare of their workers ensured that  the Aynsley  pottery became known as a well established and highly respected manufacturer of the finest China. Throughout the war years overseas trade expanded thereby securing continued success for this highly regarded family business. However, in the 1960s consolidation was seen as a way forward for many ceramic manufacturers, John Aynsley and Son were taken  over  in 1970 by Waterford and renamed Aynsley China Ltd, the recession of the 1990s brought about another change, a merger with Belleek.

Janet suggests that if you would like to start collecting Aynsley China, there is a huge choice available.Once you have decided on what period, or item whether that be Vases, Tea Sets, Cabinet Plates, etc. you would like to collect always consider condition relative to age and cost. Here are two of Janet’s favourite Aynsley items. The first is a trio in deep cobalt blue and rich gilding, this design was displayed in the British Industries Fair in 1916. The second trio is the famous Tulip design with Butterfly handle from the 1930s.