Forthcoming Attractions: Mid-May 2018

_{click on each image to go to its page in our web shop}

Here’s a small selection of items destined for the web shop this week. Top left, we have a very nice vintage cane carry basket. It was the lovely shape that first attracted us to this piece. Initially, we thought that it might be sewing related, with sections for knitting needles and other craft materials… but having thought about it, we now reckon that it might be intended for a picnic. In the centre, it has four compartments that would accommodate bottles – and smaller sections around the outside for sandwiches and other snacks. What do you think?

We’ll leave that question hanging in the air and move onto top right – a gorgeous little set of egg cups. They’re made by Figgjo Flint of Norway – we love this cheery daisy pattern. The perfect way to start the day!

A bit more pottery at bottom left, albeit on a slightly larger scale. This planter was designed by Glyn Colledge and produced by Denby Langley in the early 1960s. With the current trend for cacti and succulents in mind, we think that this piece would be perfect for them – either one large example or a small collection in various shapes and sizes.

And, last but not least, we have the very cute small vintage oil lamp at bottom right. We believe it’s called a Pixie, Luna or Kelly lamp – the self-righting form designed for use in air raid shelters during the Second World War. We’ve had these in various colours over the years and we particularly like this delicate powder blue shade.

What came first, the chicken or the egg?

Easter is only a fortnight away and this month’s competition is very apt. We have a gift boxed set of Keith Brymer Jones ‘Word’ egg cups for one of our readers to win. The egg cups are hand-stamped with the well-known conundrum, “What came first the chicken or the egg”.

Keith Brymer Jones is, alongside Kate Malone, the oft-tearful judge of The Great Pottery Throw Down – he gets so emotional about his craft. We loved watching the last series that ended last week – you can still catch up on the iPlayer.

Each piece is hand finished and is part of his extensive ‘Word’ range which includes, amongst other items, mugs, plates, bowls, teapots, butter dishes… and even pet feeding bowls.

To win the egg cup set, leave us a comment below saying how you like your eggs!

Set of Keith Brymer Jones egg cups

Shared on: Superluckyme | The Prizefinder | Loquax | U Me and the Kids

Gimme Five! Egg cups

We’re currently on a mission. Justin’s mum has asked us to keep an eye out for some egg cups. No real instructions regarding style or material. They don’t even have to match. A flexible brief you could say!

We’ve started by browsing some of the internet offerings and decided to make it into our Gimme Five for this week.

4 x Martin Wiscombe spotty egg cups: £13.30, Tesco
Egg cosy set: £22, H is for Home
Berså egg cup: £27, Royal Design
Acapulco design egg cup by Villeroy and Boch: £5.79 each, Etsy
4 x Scion Mr Fox egg cups: £15, John Lewis

Flower power

Following on from our recent themes of fish & birds we continue to look at the influence of nature on artists & designers. This week it’s the turn of flowers.

_{detail from a vintage chopping board}

_{vintage fabrics – pillowcases, curtains, tablecloths etc.}

Initially we were going to combine fruit, flowers & foliage but felt that they each deserved their own space. We’ll return to the other two soon enough.

Wining & dining – everything gets given the floral treatment…

Mismatched plates look great together.

Cups, saucers, bowls, jugs, tureens, egg cups, tea pots, coffee pots etc…

Again, we’re using items from our vintage collection predominantly from the 1950s, 60s & 70s. We particularly like the stylised treatment given to flowers during this period. You’re not likely to see any of these flowers in your florists, gardens or hedgerows!

_{small vintage Hornsea pots}