John & Janet

Ceramic Marks Tell A Story

janet — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:28:53 +0000

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.

‘B’ is for Beswick

janet — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:04:27 +0000

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.

‘A’ is For Aynsley China

janet — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:20:23 +0000

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.

Janet and John have been busy doing nothing

janet — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:30:07 +0000

Janet and John have settled into their new home, apart from arranging the furniture there has been little for John to do. He has done what is expected of retired people, taken up golf, socialized with neighbours, gone out for meals and basically withdrawn from the stresses that are associated with employment, but is he happy? For most individuals the opportunity to do very little for any length of time would be on the top of their wish list, but John has realized that daytime TV has very little to offer, golf is a very over rated past time and there is only so much socialising he can take. He has been told by Janet on a number of occasions that he has glazed over in company, not exactly nodded off but generally disassociated himself with the trivia of discussing the weather, the economy and the latest neighbourhood gossip.

John has long decided that a life centered on doing nothing is not for him, he needs a project. Janet, realized John had a passion for refurbishing property very soon after they were married, moving home every two years became the norm, she realizes that John is not yet ready to embrace retirement and fears another move is on the cards

Janet and Her Aynsley Butterfly Handle Design Tea Set

janet — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 14:39:06 +0000

Janet has been collecting, or hoarding ceramics as John says for many years, she was recently asked which item or design she most cherished. The inspiration for collecting fine china started when she came across a Shelley tall trees dish in a local Antique shop, from the moment she brought it home, unwrapped it and put it on display she knew she was smitten. That was many years ago, since then not only has her Shelley collection grown, she has managed to pick up other ceramics found either in Antique shops or Auctions. One of the most striking additions has to be the yellow and white Aynsley Tulip shape with butterfly handle Tea Set. This shape was introduced by Aynsley in 1931, the cups display a large tulip embossed on each side while the handles are in the form of butterflies with wings extended backwards, it was produced in a variety of colours. This tea Set is definitely one of Janet’s most cherished items.

Janet has stripped to the waist!

janet — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 20:32:05 +0000

Janet has been to see her Doctor and as per her last couple of visits, he continued to tap away at his computer, not looking at her and not showing any inclination to leave the security provided by his desk. Janet did wonder if perhaps at some point he would take on a Little Britain persona and say ” the computer says no” Janet reflected that at one time when you went to see your Doctor, the first thing he did was look at your throat, your ears and eyes and take your temperature, even if it was fairly obvious that you were suffering from a broken arm, an ingrowing toenail, piles or depression. Not anymore, GPs appear to be more interested in processing data than having any direct contact with their patients. All this changed today when Janet had a hospital appointment, she did expect to remove some of her clothing, what she didn’t expect was to have to strip to the waist for thirty minutes whilst at least three people came, went, poked and prodded. Twenty years ago it might not have been such an ordeal but as far as Janet is concerned being in a state of undress in front of an audience is not top of her wish list especially when her bangers as Gok Wan would say, are being tossed about rather unceremoniously. All in all Janet believes that women of a certain age should refrain from stripping to the waist, it can rarely be done graciously and in all honesty can never be considered a good look.

Janet has bought a Mouse

janet — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 11:23:03 +0000

Janet has bought a mouse but not just any old mouse this is a piece from the famous Robert ‘Mouseman’Thompson of Kilburn, Yorkshire who was a prolific furniture maker in the 1930′s producing traditional handcrafted english oak furniture. He used a mouse as his signature and trademark, hence the nickname. ‘Mouseman’ furniture www.robertthompsons.co.uk has since become recognised as one of the best craftsmen of the 20th century and his family firm still manufactures the highest quality english oak furniture in Kilburn, using the same traditional techniques and skills. Janet has wanted to own a Mouseman for many years but due to their popularity the larger items have been too expensive, even the smaller items such as the ashtrays sell between £45-£60 . The pin dish she spotted at a local auction was an opportunity that Janet was not going to miss, she was delighted when she won her item for under her limit,, truth be told she would have paid more than she did so she was more than a little pleased when she finally managed to purchase her very own mouse without John rolling his eyes over the price. Janet thinks that unless she curbs her collecting, or as her son would say, hoarding habit, then John will very soon have perfected the art of eye rolling!

Janet wants hours of endless fun with the Beatles

janet — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:01:02 +0000

Much to John’s horror Janet has started collecting something other than ceramics, first it was the Janet and John Books which he felt were OK as they were part of his childhood, were rather nostalgic and didn’t take up much room. Now she has started a record collection, which she said was an attempt to replace some of John’s old LPs which were lost many years ago. Janet is thrilled with her first buy a selection of singles and LPs, that’s all she needs now is a record player and she will be able to enjoy hours of endless fun with the Beatles.

Janet and John are in love

janet — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 20:36:24 +0000

Janet knew there was someone else when John started leaving the house every day, when questioned about where he was going , his response was always the same, he was just popping out. John suspected there was someone else when he heard Janet making a droning noise which he could by some stretch of the imagination associate with humming , Janet was not known for her musicality, this combined with the fact that she seemed to be smiling constantly made him feel there was something not quite right with her behaviour. Truth be told Janet and John have both fallen in love with with someone who has only recently come into their lives and that’s their new Grand-Son, a bubbly blowing bundle of loveliness who they argue over having cuddles with and who can make them melt with a smile. Every day they wonder what new joy he will bring and who he will talk to and smile at first.

Janet and John are waiting for the best Christmas Present ever!

janet — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 15:26:51 +0000

Janet and John are ready and waiting for the fat man in the red suit to arrive, normally on Christmas eve Janet would be in full flight muttering ”bah humbug” to anyone willing to listen. Janet thinks Christmas has become rather obscene but John quite enjoys the whole drinking and eating experience and tries to ignore the more physically demanding aspects such as shopping, wrapping and delivering Christmas gifts. However, this year they are both rather excited as their Son and Daughter-in-Law are expecting their first baby, a boy who was due to arrive over a week ago. Janet who thinks that the most perfect Christmas present would be a Grandson is for once looking forward to Christmas day and will make a point of looking out tonight for a bright star!