Earthenware vase, transfer-printed and underglaze painting, shape by Roy Midwinter & Co., pattern by Jessie Tait, 1957

Vase, in 'Midwinter Modern' shape, curvilinear, with parabolic troughs at front and back, leaving parabolic peaks at sides. Pale blue inside, white outside. Exterior decorated with abstract pattern of black lines and yellow and blue areas.

The new optimism in Britain in the 1950s found typical expression in pieces like 'Cuban Fantasy'. 1950s Cuba embodied the Hollywood obsession with South America and the ideal of the good life - sun, Latin music, romance and relaxation - an this inspired Jessie Tait's abstract interpretation. W.R. Midwinter were the key producers of design-conscious contemporary tableware in the 1950s. Taking initial inspiration from the US, they designed several curvilinear-shaped ranges which are iconic of the 1950s in Britain. 'Midwinter Modern' is one of the ranges. Jessie Tait was a staff designer at Midwinter in the 1950s producing many patterns for the company. Unlike other tableware producers of the period, Midwinter ensured that the pattern designers were named on the base of each piece bearing their pattern. Other Tait pattern names in the 1950s include Cannes, Bali Hai, Tonga, Patio Hollywood and Shalimar.
Roy Midwinter was innovative in employing known young and trendy designers for his works - in particular Terence Conran and Hugh Casson. These were promoted by name, as was his own in-house designer, Jessie Tait. This represents a major effort by a mass-producer to sell his products via the reputation of the designer.
[Susan McCormack, 'British Design at Home', p.141]

C.65-1988