Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Atlas - Tranquil Garden (named by me)

On our way to a local park, my husband and I were flagged down to go to a 'free sale.'  How intriguing is that?  Amongst the clutter in this family's yard, I found a little orphan tea cup.   


The artwork depict a dreamy place in which one could imagine themselves wasting away an afternoon, perhaps sipping tea and reading a book. 


The problem, of course, was that it had no saucer.
 

It remained saucer-less until I came across a most excellent selection of saucers at a local antique shop.  I guess there was a lady who collected saucers and managed to acquire 18,000 of them over her life time – and apparently this antique store was selling off quite a number of them.  There were probably only 1000 or so for me to look through to find a companion for my little orphan cup and I eventually found one that seems to do the trick nicely. 


While certainly not a perfect match, the saucer’s soft floral design seems to complement my little tea cup.


I was a bit curious about this ‘Atlas’ stamp on the bottom.  My brief search on the web did not help me out too much.  I think it might be associated with Grimwades/Winton.  I think that the stamp on the bottom might date it to 1934-1939, but I’m not certain. 

Anyone have any information on this little guy?

Monday, October 25, 2010

Royal Albert - Green Park Series

I found these cups at an estate sale.  They were owned by a true tea cup collector.  The table was laden with tea cups of all shapes, sizes and types.  Her daughter said that the family had already filled their cupboards with many of their mother’s precious cups ... and they still had so many left to sell!


I am happy that these cups have found their way into my collection!


I believe that these cups were produced between 1960 and 1970.  They are Chelsea shaped.  They come in six beautiful colours:  Green, Yellow, Purple, Blue, Turquoise and Pink.



Perfect for a tea party for two!!!