David, Marquess of Queensberry and Martin Hunt formed the London design partnership, Queensberry Hunt, in 1966. David Queensberry had previously produced innovative designs for factories such as Midwinter. They have won many prestigious awards, most notably from the Design Council, and are still one of the U.K.'s most successful design companies, specialising in ceramics, and in particular, tableware. They were joined by designers Robin Levien and John Horler in the late 1970s.

In 1981, Levien designed 'Trend' for Thomas, a subsidiary of the German Rosenthal Group. Its clean, simple, contemporary forms made it an international classic. This cup and saucer from Martin Hunt's 'Loft' builds on the tradition of 'Trend'. In 'Loft', Hunt addresses the requirements of modern lifestyles and eating habits with vessels appropriate for diverse cuisines.