... and very early in the morning in the garden I feel that our house is the future as well as the past. E. M. Forster

{HISTORY}

A cozy snow-laden setting. Rustic red houses. Green fir tree-lined landscape. A babbling brook. And the reflection of glowing candles reflected in the snow. Welcome to winter in the Friendly Village...

There's nothing more nostalgic than a picturesque country village steeped in snow and rural charm. A popular pattern, first introduced in 1953, the Friendly Village series by Johnson Brothers made for ideal holiday dishware thanks to their festive storytelling and detailed landscapes. Made in England, this was such a popular pattern it was in production for 50 years and came complete with an extensive amount of serving pieces and accessories.

This set of 6 cups and saucers features the Friendly Village's red wooden ice house  complete with an exquisite amount of details. Let's look...

Yesterday's snowstorm has wrapped the landscape in a blanket of white. The brook next to the ice house reflects the blue sky above. Can you hear it babbling? A quaint little bridge draws your eye in towards the red house in back and the fir trees beyond that. The snow glows white and yellow from the candlelight. The ice house is tucked into a hillside keeping everything cold and crisp for the holiday dinner to come. A more wintery scene could not be had on such a pretty cup!

Rimmed with feathery details, big green leaves, white flowers, and pinecones galore, along the edge of both the cup and saucer as well as the interior of the cup, it's no wonder this dish pattern was so popular. The artwork is gorgeous. These cups are just perfect for a cozy cup of Christmas tea or hot chocolate or apple cider or any other sort of festive holiday beverage you could imagine. Buttered rum? Irish coffee? Glugg, perhaps? Perhaps indeed please!

As one of the most successful English potteries, in business from 1890-2015, Johnson Brothers, who specialized in exporting to the American market, were exceptionally good at tapping into the American mindset. Unlike other English potteries that catered to English sensibilities, Johnson Brothers followed the buying trends and styles of American consumers and they understood the power of nostalgia when it came to celebrating big American holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Two times of the year when the Friendly Village pattern saw major use.

Whether you are adding to your existing collection or are completely new to this pattern, these cups and offers will being beauty to your holiday one cup at a time, each and every time. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Six cups with matching saucers available, each sold separately

- Stamped on back with the maker's mark, pattern name and provenance

- Colors include army green red, pastel blue, butter yellow, and grey

- Each plate is sold individually. To purchase multiples, please select your desired amount from the drop-down menu

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition. There are no chips or cracks. The imagery is very clear and bright. Please see photos.

{SIZE}

Each cup3.5" inches in diameter by 2.5" inches (height) and each saucer measures 5.5" inches (diameter). Each cup and saucer set weighs 10oz. 

{STYLE IDEA}

Find more Friendly Village dishware here.