Wednesday, January 07, 2009

I Will Miss the Hallmark "Made in England"

If you have been a fairly regular reader of this blog you will know I am a lover of fabric and pottery. When I am out on my thrifting jaunts the first tables I look for are the ones with the old teacups and lovely rosy textiles. This is why it breaks my heart to know that the world's most renown potteries are in so much difficulty. It truly saddens me to the core to know that my favourite companies are in demise. The news is quite dire.

I know that Royal Worcester/Spode has moved all their production to China. At first I thought it was just certain items but now I have been told that all manufacturing is now in Asia. The latest news comes from Waterford Wedgwood.

I have many Spode pieces and I love them. I have collected blue and white pottery since I got married over 20 years ago. There is nothing more classic and beautiful. How sad it is for these companies that have been in business for over 200 years. To see them moving to the far east is distressful enough but to close down completely would be pitiful. This is why it is more important than ever to cherish the lovely pieces that I know many of you have. I have a love of crockery. Period. All types, patterns and companies. Johnson Brothers, Minton, Royal Albert (vintage), Meakin, Mason, Crown Derby, Limoges, the list goes on. I will continue to look for all my best loved pieces and cherish them that teensiest bit more. Will you?



15 comments:

~ Phyllis ~ said...

Your pieces are lovely. I have some Limoges that belonged to my Grandmother(Memaw). I cherish them.

LinenandRoses said...

It is so sad I agree. I couldn't believe it when I heard about Wedgewood. It seems like every day now another long established business is going bust. All the Woolworths stores finally closed this week. A name that has been on the high street my whole life. So sad. I just hope with the likes of Wedgewood that someone takes over or at least buys up all the archives and patterns to store in a responsible way so that they are never lost.

A Thrifty Mrs said...

I am very very sad about it. We often went to the RW factory and I collect Spode. My mother is terribly sad about Waterford Crystal she worked there on summer breaks from uni when she went home to Ireland. They sadly have been struggling for many years and it is questionable if someone will still want to bale them out.
Very, very sad.
We are entering scary times.

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

How sad! I'm not surprised. I will NOT buy anything to eat off made in China or Asia- I simply DO NOT trust them (or their toys)! I guess the value of pre-Asia items will increase greatly in value!

Shabby Chick said...

Such sad news, I was really shocked when I heard about it. I hope they can be saved somehow xxx

MelMel said...

Every day there is more bad news of excellent companies folding or moving abroad....I love Bridgewater, i hope that as a company thay manage to continue....the factory is a lovely old Victirian one, rescued by Emma....goodness knows what will happen to a fine old building and workers if it folded or moved....I would not feel the smae about buying EB if that happened, i love tha fact that its produced here....
You have a fine collection, my Mum enjoys her blue and white.....X

Vee said...

Oh my heavens! I had no idea. Yes, I will treasure the old dishes more...absolutely. I know of precious few products, if any, that are improved by a "Made in China" mark.

Anonymous said...

any idea how you will be able to tell which is made in China - will it be stamped on the bottom? I got some Christmas Tree Spode from TK Maxx this year and would like to keep adding to it ? It's so sad that this can happen to such established companies..
Lisa x

Gigi said...

Oh dear -- bad news. I love china too -- especially those made in England. My 'everyday' dishes are Johnson Brothers 'Devonshire' -- took me years to collect them, but I love them so -- with the little bluebirds and lovely flowers. Love Spode too -- partiularly the blue & white as well -- sigh. . .

Knitting Mania said...

Great dishes...I love all kinds of glass and dishware....kinda like purses and shoes.....

:/

kate said...

We heard the devistating news here in the states this week, all my friends have loved wedgewood for years, let alone spode, johns bros. etc. the times are truely achanging, and im not sure i like it.
best to you
kate

Laura said...

Hi there! I just discovered your blog. It's so wonderful!!

That is sad to hear about those companies. Wow.. Wedgewood being made in the far east?!? That is just WRONG on so many levels.

Well as I said I love your blog and I'll definatly be back to check out some more..

Laura

Anonymous said...

So true. Our own Waterford Crystal was rescued at the last moment just last week. (by the way I think you are very photogenic..even in that costume!)

Anonymous said...

I'm new to this whole world of blogging and dish collecting. I caught the bug two years ago when I purchased my aunt's collection of Blue Willow. I've also started collecting Spode Christmas Tree. Does this mean production of Spode Christmas Tree is also going to Asia. If so, I'm with stickhorsecowgirls as that makes me very nervous. Does anyone know?

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