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!
