Cup and Saucer
1933-34 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
These pieces of tableware were designed by Frank Brangwyn, one of twenty-eight artists chosen to design tableware for the china manufacturers, E. Brain & Co. Ltd, who traded under the name Foley China. This adventurous project spearheaded by Thomas Acland Fennemore was an attempt to improve standards in English tableware. The results were displayed in the exhibition 'Modern Art for the Table' which opened at Harrods on 22nd October 1934. While the experiment was rejoiced by some critics it was not enough to convince the conservative buyers. Therefore only a limited number of patterns were produced in the years following the exhibition. Today the experiment is admired and remembered for its creativity and individuality, and the marrying of designers and manufacturers.
This rarely seen cup and saucer, and side plate C.53-2015, were designed by Frank Brangwyn. Frank Brangwyn was considered one of the finest British draughtsmen creating designs for furniture, textiles, ceramics, glassware, and more. He had previously worked with Royal Doulton to design tableware, some examples of which we have in our collection.
The V&A also have examples of designs by other artists involved in this collaboration with Foley China such as Ben Nicholson, Duncan Grant and Freda Beardmore. These objects show an innovative collaboration between artists and manufacturers.
This rarely seen cup and saucer, and side plate C.53-2015, were designed by Frank Brangwyn. Frank Brangwyn was considered one of the finest British draughtsmen creating designs for furniture, textiles, ceramics, glassware, and more. He had previously worked with Royal Doulton to design tableware, some examples of which we have in our collection.
The V&A also have examples of designs by other artists involved in this collaboration with Foley China such as Ben Nicholson, Duncan Grant and Freda Beardmore. These objects show an innovative collaboration between artists and manufacturers.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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Materials and techniques | Bone china, slip-cast, transfer printed, decals, sgraffito. |
Brief description | Cup and saucer of bone china, designed by Frank Brangwyn for E. Brain & Co. Ltd., England, 1933-34. |
Physical description | Bone china cup and saucer, probably slip cast. Transfer printed with light blue, then probably using sgraffito, floral decoration has been cut away. |
Credit line | Given by Paul Liss |
Object history | Originally owned by the designer Frank Brangwyn. Shown in the Exhibitions: China Pottery and Glass Exhibition, Harrods, London, 22 October - 10 November 1934; Frank Brangwyn, Leeds, Bruges, Swansea, 2006. |
Subject depicted | |
Summary | These pieces of tableware were designed by Frank Brangwyn, one of twenty-eight artists chosen to design tableware for the china manufacturers, E. Brain & Co. Ltd, who traded under the name Foley China. This adventurous project spearheaded by Thomas Acland Fennemore was an attempt to improve standards in English tableware. The results were displayed in the exhibition 'Modern Art for the Table' which opened at Harrods on 22nd October 1934. While the experiment was rejoiced by some critics it was not enough to convince the conservative buyers. Therefore only a limited number of patterns were produced in the years following the exhibition. Today the experiment is admired and remembered for its creativity and individuality, and the marrying of designers and manufacturers. This rarely seen cup and saucer, and side plate C.53-2015, were designed by Frank Brangwyn. Frank Brangwyn was considered one of the finest British draughtsmen creating designs for furniture, textiles, ceramics, glassware, and more. He had previously worked with Royal Doulton to design tableware, some examples of which we have in our collection. The V&A also have examples of designs by other artists involved in this collaboration with Foley China such as Ben Nicholson, Duncan Grant and Freda Beardmore. These objects show an innovative collaboration between artists and manufacturers. |
Bibliographic reference | Horner, Dr. Libby, Frank Brangwyn, A Mission to Decorate Life, Liss Fine Art, 2006, p. 170-181. |
Collection | |
Accession number | C.52:1,2-2015 |
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Record created | July 1, 2015 |
Record URL |
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