Tuesday 24 March 2015

Adventures involving Blue and White

After we went to the Vintage fair at Kelham Hall, we called in at Newark Antiques Centre, a former congregational church, but now, full to the brim with antiques and collectables.  I wandered round and was drawn to some blue and white material, which I bought (of course).  I was also drawn to a blue and white muffin dish, consisting of a plate and lid in the deepest cobalt blue with white blossom on it.  I stood and looked at it for a while and then asked to look at it in greater detail.  In retrospect, this was a mistake, because once I held it, I knew I would like to buy it.  Anyway, I checked it over and looked for a mark - Wood and Sons, Prunus.  I then talked myself right out of buying it!  What would we do with it, where would we put it?  I reluctantly put it back and talked to the lady at the counter who said she would have bought it.  However, I bought the material and left the dish there.
Of course, the internet helped a lot with finding out about the pattern. It was probably made between 1890 and 1920, by Wood and Sons and the designer was Frederick Rhead.  I discovered that it was a pattern mainly used for vases, dressing table items and not much was made as dinner services.  My original thought was that I could look out for it and buy some plates to actually use.
Well, you know what it is like.  I thought about it and thought about it and eventually, Chris said we could go back and I could get it (I think he just wanted me to stop going on about it!).  I rang up and reserved it and we went back the next day.  (I'm sure you knew that is what would happen, didn't you?!)
 Here it is - I just love it and it make me smile when I go past it.  At the moment, it is on the table with the seasonal tree, but whether that will be its home, I'm not sure.
I'm now wondering whether I can make a polymer clay flower cane based on this design...now there's yet another challenge!

12 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks, Amy. I was lucky with both my purchases. I just need to find the perfect thing to make with the material...
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  2. I think that, haveing held it, I would not have been able to let it go, it is such a tactile thing. the fabric is lovely too.

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    1. Thanks, Toffeeapple. Actually holding it was the clincher for me and why I just had to go back and get it! I could have saved the petrol if I'd overridden my head and gone with my heart in the first place though...Ho hum! Still, I am delighted to own it now. I really like the fabric too and am waiting for the right project.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  3. Oh, I can imagine you fell in love with that beautiful dish... That colour is so pretty an d so is the pattern, well done!! Fun to make something nice with those lovely fabrics... Love from Mirjam.

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    1. Thanks, Mirjam. I really am pleased we went back and I was able to buy the dish. I'm still not quite sure what the material will be used for, but there is no rush to use it.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  4. Love them both. I would have weakened once I had held it in my hot little hands. Quickly.

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    1. Thanks, EC. I may have been able to resist the dish if I hadn't held it, but once I did that, there was no escape! I am so pleased I was able to buy it in the end .
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  5. Both the fabric and the dish are lovely, you are a stronger soul than I am :-)
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Thanks, Amalia. I thought I was being strong but ended up having to go back and get the dish two days later! I am so pleased I did though - I love it!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  6. This is so interesting Ellie-when I saw the design I think I may have a little dressing table pot which belonged to my grandmother and the age and era would fit. The dish is gorgeous though. Blue and white is ever lovely, I am sure you will make a stunning polymer clay flower to celebrate the design. Hope you have a lovely Easter,
    Best wishes
    Alison xx

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    1. Thanks, Alison. I think dressing table items were made in this pattern. I haven't yet attempted a flower cane like this pattern - it's on my ever-expanding 'to do' list though!
      Happy Easter to you too.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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