Hi All – today we have this lovely Colclough teacup, and what a beauty it is! I’ve never seen a cup this shape – perfect for the elegant art deco 40’s when it was made!
Colclough Teacup Decor Inspiration
Besides the fact that it was made in the 40’s, it was the art deco shape of this cup that got me thinking of that glamorous film era. So many of the movies I watch are old black and white ones, often involving elegant people and elegant interiors.
So this elegant teacup would have fit right in. I could just imagine one of my favorite film stars gracefully holding it for afternoon tea on the set. I’ve never actually been on a movie set, but I’ve seen lots of movies about movie sets! That qualifies me as an expert, right?
Let’s imagine the lovely dressing room of our glamorous actress. I see sage green flocked-velvet wallpaper,, and matching fabric skirting the dressing table. Crystal candelabra and perfume bottles, soft blue china jars for her lotions, and boxes for her jewelry. Gold framed mirrors, gold brush and comb. And of course, she would have bouquets of beautiful pink flowers from her many admirers.
She’d have her Colclough teacup right there. It would be so beautiful with that same soft blue china background and gold trim! Our glamorous actress would love the lacy little gold dots around the flowers, and the flower on the inside too.
Her maid or dresser would pour her tea, with some lemon on the side. Then she’d take it out to her director’s chair to sip – elegantly – while she’s waiting for her cue!
Colclough Teacup Manufacturer’s Info
I love to find out about my teacups’ histories, so of course I looked this one up. The following is straight out of one of my favorite resources, ThePotteries.org. (With only a very few grammatical corrections – you know how I am!)
- Herbert Joseph Colclough started HJ Colclough in 1897. Around 1907 they moved to the Vale Works in Goddard Street, Longton.
- In 1913 King George IV and Queen Mary visited the Vale Works, and the company received a royal license. They adopted ‘Royal Vale’ as a trade name.
- In 1937 the businesses of H J Colclough, Thomas Morris, and Osborne China Co. were combined and became Colclough China Ltd.
- Then in 1944 Booths Ltd acquired Colclough China Ltd, each business continued to trade under their own name.
- In 1948 the two companies merged to become Booths & Colclough Ltd. Manufacturing continued at their separate sites.
- In 1953 the Lawley Group (already owners of Ridgway & Adderley Ltd) acquired control of Booths & Colclough.
- In February 1955 the name was changed to Ridgeway Potteries Ltd, one of the largest pottery combines in existence.
Everything I found seems to indicate that Ridgeway Potteries went out of business in 1964. But I’ve seen lots of cousins to our Colclough teacup on the internet, so they’re still out there! In four different colors – soft yellow, green, pink, and our blue.
Research, Research, Research!
Because of the mark on the bottom of our cup, I’m pretty sure it was made after 1939, and before 1953. You can see the orange P on the bottom of the cup, but I didn’t see anything about what it means while I was researching. Maybe a code for the artist, the color, or the year?
Also, I think that the black writing might refer to the pattern number … Do you think it starts with G? Or 6? Then maybe 2 – something – 7 – 1? Or maybe it starts from the other side. Anyway, I tried looking up various combinations, but unfortunately got nowhere. If you like puzzles and figure it out, give me a call! I’d love to know!
UPDATE!
Yaay! Just before I published this, I found a pattern number for the green version on Replacements.com! It’s #6563. They also had a yellow version (6461,) and another pattern that was very similar in several colors. But if you really want this blue pattern, you could ask them to look for it. They’re great that way!
Colclough Teacup ~ Behind the Scenes
As I may have mentioned in a previous post, our front porch has the best light (in a protected spot) in our yard. And since it looked like it might rain, that’s where I took these photos. I had actually just gotten these seat cushions, and they were super comfy. Plus they’re so pretty, and I thought the color highlighted our lovely Colclough teacup.
You can tell that it was a little warm outside, because we were going around in our bare feet! And afterwards, a lovely cup of tea with lemon in a beautiful Colclough teacup!
Teacup Shopping
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Mary from Life at Bella Terra says
Barbara, what I love about your posts is that they inspire you to look carefully at details. I would have completely missed the orange P on the bottom of the cup. I, too, love the shape of this cup and the colors are so beautiful. Your description back in time really did transport me elsewhere for a few minutes….just love that! Thanks for sharing. Stunning cup.
Barbara Leone says
Aw thanks Mary! I know we both love teacups – and anything pretty, really! 🙂 I’m so glad you’re sharing this blogging adventure with me! Happy Sunday my friend!
Barbara Leone says
Michele you’re so sweet! I know I’ve said this before, but I would have loved to have seen your china collection! Every once in a while I just go back through some of your older blog posts and sigh over the lovey pieces! Thanks so much for stopping by, and Happy Spring! Take care till next time!
Michele M. says
I love your Colclough teacup set. Colclough was the first teacups I ever collected. I sold all of them over the years but used to have many.
I never had this pattern – but had a few “cinched waist” kinds. Most of mine were very old.
Your pics are beautiful, Barbara!