lord nelson pottery

lord nelson pottery

Chintz, bursting with fresh and colourful flowers in tightly packed designs is highly collectable china and can still be had at a good price. You can display your Chintz china grouped together in a profusion of colour or you can introduce the odd single piece to create that country cottage look.

The fashion for chintz began when exotic, floral fabrics were imported to the UK from India in the 17th century. By the 1820s the major Staffordshire potters started copying the designs onto china, using transfer printing. Initially this was a slow process, but towards the end of the 19th century two leading potters of the day, Leonard and Sidney Grimwade, developed a faster process by fixing a lithographic transfer print onto the china above or below the glaze and this enabled chintz china to be produced on a mass scale.

Chintz china had royal approval as in the early 20th century, Queen Mary took a fancy to it while on a tour and packed some away for her and her husband King George V, to use at home.

The Grimwade brothers were the founders of the celebrated Royal Winton pottery. Their first highly successful modern pattern was Marguerite – a pattern of white daisies, bluebells and yellow flowers – in 1928. Another potter, A.G. Richardson of Crown Ducal, created popular patterns such as Florida, Festival and Blue Chintz in the 1920s, which were rich with exotic plumed birds. The American market was booming during the early 1900s and many of the chintz tea sets, dinner services and ‘consoles’ (a bowl and candlestick to place in the middle of the dinner table) were exported overseas. The chintz market is very strong in Canada, America and Australia today.

Royal Winton is considered by many to be the finest chintz producer. The pottery went on to release more than 60 chintz patterns over the next 50 years and its strength lies in the fact that they not only produced so many patterns, but also so many different shapes. The early Athena range had a pie crust edge and a triangular piece on the handles. The pie crust edge was later dropped and the triangular shape was turned into three raised dots.

One of the Royal Winton early patterns which has remained highly collectable is Summertime, released in 1936. This is a medley of summer flowers, violets, daisies and roses and has a delicate, subtle style. You would have to pay a least £300 for a teapot.

Other celebrated Royal Winton designs include Sweet Pea, Victorian Rose and Anemone, inspired by the English cottage garden, while others take their name from English villages such as Evesham, Richmond and Beeston. Many of these designs were created after the second world war to cheer up a population that had to make do with plain white china during the war years.

Royal Winton is the most famous manufacturer of chintz china, with Julia, Welbeck and Shelley’s Melody being among the most popular patterns. Julia side plates can sell for between £5 and £55 while a Welbeck plate is not to be had under £35 or £40. A Melody vase can cost you up to £150, depending on size and condition.

Royal Winton were clever in their design, colourways were reversed, so that Welbeck, which has a yellow background was replaced with a black background and named ‘Hazel’, then changed to a white background and named ‘Spring’. The released a tartan design to appeal to male collectors. The patterns could be found on a huge display of wares, from sugar bowls and pepper pots to sweet dishes and cups.

In the 1950s and 1960s some patterns changed to reflect the fashion of the period, with larger flowers and richer colours such as dark reds and blues, as in the Morning Glory and Peony designs.

Chintz china does not provoke the frantic buying trends associated with other china collectables and buyers can afford to build up a collection at their leisure, simply buying the pieces they like, rather than for their value. Florence, Welbeck, Julia and Stratford are not as popular as they were, while Evesham and June Roses are now sought after.

There are many other chintzes to look out for, from the great potteries of the time. Shelley is very popular and you may want to look out for Empire – WR Midwinter (the Springtime range), Wade – Lord Nelson (especially the Black Beauty pattern) and James Kent. Some of these are not of such a high quality as Royal Winton, but they are still pretty and cost considerably less.

Tips for the Collector

If you are buying your china from an internet trader make sure that you can return the goods of they are faulty or damaged.

If you are buying a set make sure that all the pieces are there and in the correct pattern.

You can either collect a set of a pattern such as Summertime, or go for a variety of different pattern and shapes, such as collecting cruet set in all the different patterns.

A little crazing doesn’t matter, but watch out for hairline cracks – look at the item in the sunlight to check.

Check that the spouts on tea and coffee pots are not chipped.

Be aware that colours, especially blue, can fade.

Lord Nelson Pottery England Blue Flowers Pitcher Milk Jug This vintage made in England pitcher/milk jug will be a wonderful addition to your table or English pottery collection....

Royal Doulton Jugs: A Charlton Standard Catalogue, 9th Edition $29.95 This new reference book, A Century of Royal Doulton Character and Toby Jugs, is the most comprehensive book ever published on collecting jugs and derivatives. At more than 450 pages, the book is lavishly illustrated with over 1,600 color photographs of every Royal Doulton production jug as well as more than 100 prototypes, many of which have never been seen before by collectors. With an introducti...

Lord Nelson Pottery England Blue Flowers Pitcher Milk Jug This vintage made in England pitcher/milk jug will be a wonderful addition to your table or English pottery collection....

Royal Doulton Jugs: A Charlton Standard Catalogue, 9th Edition $29.95 This new reference book, A Century of Royal Doulton Character and Toby Jugs, is the most comprehensive book ever published on collecting jugs and derivatives. At more than 450 pages, the book is lavishly illustrated with over 1,600 color photographs of every Royal Doulton production jug as well as more than 100 prototypes, many of which have never been seen before by collectors. With an introducti...

Half-Nelson Lamp by George Nelson $475 A knock-out design, back for another round. The George Nelson Half-Nelson Lamp was created as a prototype for a large-scale design project in 1950 and wasn't actually released for public sale until 1977. Re-released for the contemporary lighting market, this iconic design features the original pivoting shade that adjusts left, right, up and down. Light shines up from the base and reflects off the shade's inner White finish. Darkness is down for the count. Modernica is the exclusive manufacturer of the George Nelson Bubble Lamp collection, which includes pendant lighting, table lamps, wall sconces and floor lamps. The Bubble Lamp series was designed by George Nelson in 1947. The George Nelson Half-Nelson Lamp is available with the following: Details:Aluminum shade with Black line-grained anodized finish (top) and White powder-coated glossy satin finish (underside)Black line-grained anodized finish on metal baseChromed aluminum stem100" black cordOn/off switch made of machined-anodized aluminum (not dimmable)Shade pivots and adjusts left, right, up and downLight shines up from base and reflects off shade's inner White finishDesigned by George NelsonLighting: One 40 Watt 120 Volt Fluorescent lamp (included). Shipping: In stock items usually ship within 1 business day. Others ship in 3-4 weeks unless otherwise noted. Dimensions: Base: Diameter 4.5 In., Height 8 In. Shade: Diameter 15 In. Fixture: Height 17.5 In.

Tripod Clock by George Nelson $395 The Tripod Clock, from Vitra, a 1947 George Nelson Design, is an authentic re-edition of a classic mid-century modern design. The Tripod Clock is produced from the original design document from the Nelson archive with the blessings of the George Nelson estate. This functional and geometric work of art represents the work of one of America's most original designers. George Nelson counted on bold graphic forms to make his compelling artistic statement. His designs are considered American icons. Vitra, an international company founded in 1950 and headquartered in Switzerland, presents true-to-the-original form re-editions of classic designs. Vitra also collaborates with today's designers developing tomorrow's collectables. The Tripod Clock, by George Nelson, features high-grade, precise, quartz-clockwork movements that run on a AA battery (included). It is made of spun and polished brass. Shipping: This item usually ships within 3 to 5 business days. Dimensions: Height 6.5 in., Width 4.25 in.

Starburst Clock by George Nelson $420 The Starburst Clock, from Vitra, a '50s George Nelson Design, is an authentic re-edition of a classic mid-century modern design. The Starburst Clock is produced from the original design document from the Nelson archive with the blessings of the George Nelson estate. The Starburst Clock is a high grade, quartz clockwork. A battery is included. This functional and geometric work of art represents the work of one of America's most original designers. George Nelson counted on color and bold graphic forms to make his compelling artistic statement. His designs are considered American icons. The Starburst Clock, by George Nelson is available with the following options: Color: Multi-color, Red or Walnut Shipping: This item usually ships within 3 to 5 business days. Dimensions: Diameter 18.5 in.

Asterisk Clock by George Nelson $330 Produced from the original archived Nelson design documents, the George Nelson Asterisk Clock is a re-edition of a 1950s classic, created with the blessing of the George Nelson estate. Made of metal with an acrylic water-based lacquer. Features high grade quartz movement. Founded in Switzerland in 1950, Vitra produces intelligent and inspiring furniture and accessories for the home, office and other public spaces. Ever mindful of the importance of sustainability in design, Vitra creates furnishings with high quality and versatile style that ensures functional and aesthetic enjoyment for the long term. Details:Made of metalBlack acrylic water-based lacquer faceWhite hour and minute handsHigh grade quartz movementOne AA battery includedDesigned by George Nelson, 1950Shipping: This item usually ships within 3 to 5 business days. Dimensions: Item: Diameter 9.75 In., Depth 2.75 In.

Elihu the Elephant by George Nelson $165 Elihu the Elephant, designed in 1965 by George Nelson, is a classic wall clock. Elihu the Elephant is perfect for kids' rooms or anywhere you want to add some zoo-timer fun. Silk screen-printed lacquered wood with metal hands. George Nelson clocks are authentic re-editions of the famous originals from the modern zenith, Herman Miller. Shipping: This item usually ships within 3 to 5 business days. Dimensions: Diameter 10.5 in.

Star Clock by George Nelson $485 A classic timeless design! This beautiful Star Clock in was designed by George Nelson in 1955 and has become an Icon of Modern Design. This is an authentic re-edition, fully authorized by the Nelson estate. Chrome and Brass with high grade quartz clockwork. Free battery included. Shipping: This item usually ships within 3 to 5 business days. Dimensions: Diameter 24 in.

Night Clock by George Nelson $450 A classic timeless design! This beautiful Night Clock was designed by George Nelson in 1948 and has become an Icon of Modern Design. This is an authentic re-edition, fully authorized by the Nelson estate. Brass and Acrylic with high grade quartz clockwork. Free battery included. Shipping: This item usually ships within 3 to 5 business days. Dimensions: Height 5.75 in., Width 4.25 in.

Turbine Clock by George Nelson $645 A classic timeless design, the oversize Turbine Clock was designed by George Nelson in 1957 and has become an Icon of Modern Design. This is an authentic re-edition, fully authorized by the Nelson estate. Brass. High grade quartz clockwork. Free battery included. Shipping: This item usually ships within 3 to 5 business days. Dimensions: Diameter 30 in.

Spindle Clock by George Nelson $525 A classic timeless design, the oversized Spindle Clock was designed by George Nelson in the 1950s and has become an Icon of Modern Design. This is an authentic re-edition, fully authorized by the Nelson estate. Aluminum and Walnut with red hands and high grade quartz clockwork. Free battery included. Shipping: This item usually ships within 3 to 5 business days. Dimensions: Diameter 22.75 in.

Eye Clock by George Nelson $450 The Eye Clock was designed by George Nelson in 1957 and embodies the joie de vivre of the 1950's. This is an authentic re-edition, fully authorized by the Nelson estate. Brass and Walnut with high grade quartz clockwork. Free battery included. Shipping: This item usually ships within 3 to 5 business days. Dimensions: Width 30 in., Height 13.5 in.