NEW CHINA DESIGNS

Wanganui Chronicle, 10 March 1947, Page 7

NEW CHINA DESIGNS

FAMOUS POTTERIES ARE BUSY AGAIN. In overseas journals are reproduction pictures showing examples of decorated pottery and China that were on view at the “Britain Can Make It’’ Exhibition and ;/me to be shown at the British Industries-Fair, to be held this year. In the potteries districts are young men whose family names are household words—Wedgwood, Copeland, Spode, Ad:/.is, Douiton, Minton, and others. The descendants of some of these founders are by no means resting on past laurels and expecting their post-war ware to recapture the quality market on name alone. Skilful craitsmanship is combining with the most modern artistry. Fine British china such as comes from many well-known firms including Royal Worcester and Minton and others equally well-known, is still unexcelled throughout the world.

When can New Zealand housewives expect to see the new design in china and pottery? Dealers state that it will be some considerable time, probably a few years, as the main potteries are not yet in full production. Another factor is that imports from Britain are very sma-V Pre-war patterns only are likely to reach the Dominion for some time to come, as most potteries are concentrating on the production of the popular- designs of eight or nine years ago One local dealer stated that a few china sets and pieces of pottery have recently been received in Wanganui It is a pleasure to see some of the lovely china and pottery appearing in shop windows and showrooms again. One new design seen on a set was of a bee and a butterfly poised on a cluster of delicately-shaded hedge and field flowers, while on a piece of pottery was a design of leaves and shamrock in unusual colourings. Also new are the sets in one colouring with edge touches of gold, one in champagne shade being very beautiful. Reproductions ot’ the old designs and patterns from well-known potteries are coming to hand in very small quantities stated another importer, who added that what little every-day china comes into the city is soon sold. Prices these days are more than double the pre-war price and in many instances treble or more for imported china and crystal. The fine craftsmanship, the sterling quality and the beautiful shapes have lost none of the qualities that have made English bone china world famous. From Longton, too, where china for the many is produced, come quality, new designs and freshness of outlook, while the earthenware covers a wide and varied field. In the exhibibition in England, new processes of decoration have been demonstrated, and improvements shown in old processes. This is very noticeable in the Bristol pottery which goes back to the 17th. century and recalls Bristol Delft. Almost imperceptibly there runs through the latest designs something of the Delft tradition in colouring and almost in brush work. For all its modern improvements the pottery industry still relies upon the high standard of its craftsmen. If it were entirely mechanised it would lose its soul. The hand and the eye must still control the fashioning of beauty from clay.