‘A’ is For Aynsley China
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.
