A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight, walking in a winter wonderland...

{HISTORY}

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 8 dinner plates features the Friendly Village's red-clapboard schoolhouse complete with an exquisite amount of details. Let's look...

It's snowing and evening is settling in. Lights from the schoolhouse windows warm the landscape. A series of village rooftops peek out from behind a stone wall and trees dusted with flakes can be seen near and far. Tracks in the snow lead from the center of the plate to the outer rim near the bottom corner. Was that Santa coming for a visit? Maybe so.

Rimmed with feathery details, big green leaves white flowers, and pinecones galore, along the edge, it's no wonder this dish pattern was so popular. The artwork is gorgeous.

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 plates offer plenty of styling opportunities on your table that will take you through the Autumn and Winter seasons with sweet sentiment as your guide.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Eight plates plates available 

- 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. There is light crazing on one of the plates on the bottom (see backstamp photo). All plates are very shiny and silky smooth to the touch and the imagery is very clear and bright. Please see photos.

{SIZE}

Each plate measures 10.5" inches in diameter and weighs 1.3lbs.