I In the decades after World War Two, a new optimism came to Britain. To help renew the country again after the devastation of war, money was invested in science, technology, industrial design, architecture and the arts. Young designers were employed to shake things up and a boom in innovative designs for the home soon followed.
This was certainly true in the traditional pottery factories of Staffordshire, as new mass-produced products appeared on the high street, appealing to young couples setting up home for the first time. What you had in your home began to say something about you, and Ridgway Potteries in Stoke-on-Trent was one of the first to spot this trend.
Ridgway first sold its stylish Homemaker tableware range in Woolworths stores in the late 1950s and it became an instant design classic.
The earthenware pieces featured contemporary black-and-white furniture motifs on a background of hand-drawn black lines. These motifs were of aspirational home items such as a Robin Day chair, Gordon Russell sideboard, kidney-shaped coffee tables and atomic plant holders.
The tableware range consisted of plates, cups and saucers, tea and coffee pots, milk jugs, bowls, tureens, gravy boats and cruet sets. Some of the rarer original Homemaker items such as the Cadenza-shaped coffee pot can sell for up to £300 today, with a regular dinner plate in the region of £15-£20.
This story is from the September 2024 edition of Best of British.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2024 edition of Best of British.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
It's a Lottery
Claire Saul celebrates 30 years of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which supports heritage projects across the United Kingdom
In Memoriam
Michael Foley pays his respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice
Leader of the Pack
Paul Williams examines the history of War Horse
French Fancies
Alain Carraze explains how cult British shows are perceived as the best on television in France
Redheads & Rollers
Simon Stabler talks to Crossroads' Tony Adams
Bringing Memories Back to Life
Richard Haines on the importance of making the most of your vintage photographs
POSTCARD FROM KENT
Bob Barton investigates a network of caves, takes a ride on a thriving heritage railway, and marvels at the beauty of the garden of England
Laughter in the Air
Chris Hallam remembers writer, television presenter and comedian Barry Took
My Good Old Days
Tim Quinn takes us behind the scenes of Leeds City Varieties
The Battersea Bardot
David Barnes remembers the star of Cathy Come Home