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.