One of my favorite vintage items are vintage cups and saucers. And I especially love British porcelain. How great is it to drink tea in the Bridgerton or Downton Abbey way. A beautiful teapot with a few cups and saucers and some biscuits.
There is something magical about drinking tea from a fragile, hand-painted and refined porcelain cup made of pure white ceramic with beautiful colours and a gold rim.
Vintage cup and saucer brands
England is a tea-drinking country par excellence, where tea has been drunk for centuries. The nobility used refined porcelain cups and teapots to drink the precious tea from. Just take a good look at the series Bridgerton and Downton Abbey. They were showpieces and only reserved for the elite. For this reason, that drinking tea is so popular in England, you see a huge number of porcelain factories and brands. At De wereld van Kant you can buy and rent vintage tableware for your High Tea. Below you can read more information about these well-known brands of vintage porcelain:
Royal Albert tableware
Royal Albert is an icon of elegance and refinement, founded in 1904 in Staffordshire, England, but traces its roots back to The Albert Works, which was established in 1896. Named after Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, the brand quickly became synonymous with royal allure and timeless beauty. Known for its signature floral motifs and refined designs, which reflect the romantic aesthetic of the Victorian era, Royal Albert remains Britain’s most beloved tableware brand.
The tableware is appreciated worldwide for its fine bone china and artisanal craftsmanship, and is loved by collectors and lovers of fine tableware. Royal Albert’s collections include a range of items from traditional tea sets to modern dinner sets, each handcrafted with attention to detail and elegance.
View the Royal Albert tableware collection here.
Booths Real Old Willow tableware
Booths Real Old Willow is a famous and very popular porcelain. Especially because of those deep blue colors and the well-known Willow pattern. In the 18th century there was a great interest in Asian art in Europe. Especially porcelain and especially blue porcelain was incredibly popular. The pattern was probably designed for the British brand Spode in 1780 after which it became famous and was taken over by several porcelain makers.
At the end of the 19th century, the British brand Booths started making a new series of porcelain with the well-known Willow pattern. From the beginning of the 20th century, this series: Real Old Willow was marketed. The series was produced until 1999 and has many variations that are sometimes not noticeable but say a lot about the period in which it was made.
View the Booths Real Old Willow sales collection here.
View the rental collection Booths Real Old Willow here.
Read the separate blog about the history of the Real Old Willow tableware here.
Royal Standard tableware
The English Royal Standard tableware is steeped in royal history and reflects the splendor of the British monarchy. The brand was part of Chapmans Longton Ltd who have been producing high quality porcelain in England for hundreds of years. From 1949 the 'Royal Standard' line was used. The service quickly became a favourite at the British Royal Court and with collectors worldwide. The name refers to the royal coat of arms, in English called 'Royal Standard'.
What sets Royal Standard tableware apart are its graceful patterns and refined details, often enriched with hand-painted motifs and rich gold accents. Each piece exudes royal elegance and embodies a timeless charm.
View the Royal Standard tableware collection here.
Coalport tableware
Coalport tableware is a British icon that originates from the picturesque Coalport area of Shropshire, England. The brand's roots go back to 1795 when the Coalport Porcelain Factory was founded by John Rose.
The tableware is known for its refined designs and delicate details, often enriched with hand-painted motifs, including flowers, birds and landscapes. These works of art on porcelain have made Coalport recognised worldwide as a symbol of luxury and refinement.
The brand has undergone many influences, from classic Regency style to more contemporary designs, but has always held on to its reputation for craftsmanship and finesse.
View the Coalport tableware collection here.
Elizabethan tableware
In 1867 Taylor and Kent Ltd was founded but it was not until around 1960 that the Elizabethan brand name was used.
Named after Queen Elizabeth I, English Elizabethan tableware embodies the splendor of the glorious Renaissance period and the Tudor dynasty in the 16th century. Elizabethan tableware is known for its opulent designs and lavish decorations, inspired by the art and architecture of the Elizabethan era.
With features such as finely detailed relief, intricate floral motifs and rich gold accents, Elizabethan tableware exudes an air of regal elegance. It was beloved by the nobility and upper classes of the time, and is still valued for its timeless beauty and historical significance.
View the Elizabethan tableware collection here.
Paragon tableware
Paragon English tableware is a symbol of British craftsmanship and elegance, with a history dating back to the early 20th century. Founded in 1897 by Hugh Irving and Herbert Aynsley , Paragon (formerly known as the Star China Company) quickly became known for its high-quality porcelain and refined designs. Known for its timeless beauty and durability, the tableware quickly became a favorite with royalty and wealthy families, receiving multiple royal appointments from various members of the British Royal Family.
Paragon tableware is best known for its delicate floral patterns and finely detailed gold accents, which give each piece an unmistakable charm. The craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into each item has made Paragon tableware a symbol of luxury and refinement.
View the Paragon tableware collection here.
Royal Grafton tableware
Royal Grafton was founded in 1876 by Alfred Jones in Staffordshire, England. It was not until later in the 20th century that the company began using the Royal Grafton brand name. The brand is known for its craftsmanship, elegance and timeless designs that reflect British royal traditions. The tableware has gained worldwide recognition for its refinement and quality and is often associated with fine dining and special occasions.
One of the standout features of Royal Grafton is the use of beautiful floral motifs and gold accents that give each piece a unique look. The brand has a rich history and has received several royal approvals over the years, making it a favorite with collectors and lovers of fine porcelain all over the world.
View the Royal Grafton tableware collection here.
Royal Stafford tableware
The English Royal Stafford tableware, founded in 1845, in Staffordshire. A region known for its porcelain production since the 18th century. The brand enjoys worldwide recognition for its excellent craftsmanship and timeless designs. The brand is known for its refined porcelain, with an emphasis on traditional and contemporary styles that combine elegance and durability.
A distinctive feature of Royal Stafford is the use of vibrant colours and intricate patterns, giving each piece a unique look. The tableware is often associated with royal dinners and special occasions, and has received the approval of royals. Interestingly, Royal Stafford has also collaborated with modern designers to create contemporary collections, keeping the brand relevant in today’s fine china market.
View the Royal Stafford tableware collection here.
