{HISTORY}

So pretty for autumn tablescapes, not all floral dishes have to be relegated to the summer kitchen. This pattern known as The Dorset was made by W.H. Grindley in England in 1928 and features a black and walnut striped rim with florals in a rusty red, marigold, and navy blue color palette. With that cheerful combination, it can be hard to miss the bird perched on a branch at the center, but there she is, in all her matching color palette glory with the addition of a bright green body and long blue tail feathers. 

Elegant and cheerful, styling options abound with these four plates. The black and brown floral designs at the rim offer more formal tablescape options while the colorful bird and flowers complement bright styling companions full of autumn hues. 

In operation for over 100 years, W.H. Grindley & Co. began in 1880 in the popular pottery hub of Stoke-on-Trent in Tunstall, England. Makers of both mass-market china and hotelware for English export, Grindley pieces offer unique designs and interesting color arrangements. The only mention we could find of the Dorset dishes in America was one advertised by a china shop in Massachusetts in 1928, making this set both a New England local and a hard-to-find pattern. 

Associated with a handful of other notable potteries throughout its 100-year run, including Alfred Meakin, Grindley ceased operation in 1991 after being acquired by Woodlands Pottery. It’s amazing to think that this sort is just about to celebrate its 100th birthday, qualifying then for antique status. The beauty of 1920s-era dishware is that many carry an Art Deco style and exotic patterns that have returned once again to please our modern-day style aesthetics. The Dorset marries both in its emblematic detailing. 

Fun companions for BritBox dinner parties, Thanksgiving table mix-and-match collections, and autumn centerpieces featuring pumpkins, pinecones, and dried grasses, their color combination looks especially lovely with an assortment of foods, from dinner casseroles and pies to Thanksgiving menu staples to baked goods. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Hard-to-find plate size and pattern 

- Stamped on the bottom with maker's mark and pattern name

- Colors include black, gold, rusty red, coral, blueberry, navy blue, spring green, pastel blue, marigold, almond, walnut, ivory, and bright white. 

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition, there are no chips, cracks, spots, or staining. The gold stripe around the rim is bright and shimmery, with just the slightest of wear in some spots. Beautiful light and fine crazing lines hint at this set's almost antique age. The floral transferware on each plate is crisp and bright. Please see photos.