Royal Winton Tapestry Green Lustre Creamer & Sugar Set c.1930s
An unusual vintage Royal Winton Grimwades cream and sugar set, made in England and dating to the mid-to-late 1930s - the backstamp on the underside of each was in use from 1934 until 1950. The set has a striking green iridescent lustre glaze with multicoloured floral decoration that appears to be an uncommon colour variation of Royal Winton's Tapestry pattern.
The decoration features the distinctive fine crosshatched or woven-looking ground associated with Tapestry, here in a striking shade of green. The floral decoration is in tones of yellow, pink, violet, white and red.
The lustre finish gives the surface considerable iridescence. Depending upon the angle and lighting, the green ground shifts through various shades. The interiors have a softer yellow tone, while the shaped rims are finished with gilt edging.
Both pieces have attractive moulded forms raised on four small feet. The creamer is rectangular in form and has a broad pouring lip and angular handle, while the open sugar bowl has a complementary square form with gently shaped sides.
The decoration closely resembles Royal Winton's Tapestry pattern; however, we have been unable to locate another example in this particular green, pink, yellow and white lustre colour combination. It may therefore represent an uncommon colourway or variation of the pattern.
Both pieces are marked on the underside:
ROYAL WINTON
GRIMWADES
MADE IN ENGLAND
Measurements
Creamer width: 2 1/2 inches
Creamer length: 4 1/4 inches from spout to back of handle
Creamer height: 2 1/2 inches
Sugar bowl diameter: 3 1/8 inches at top
Sugar bowl height: 2 1/4 inches
Condition
The set is in very good condition. There are some craze lines visible in the photographs, although these are emphasized by the strong lighting and enlarged images and are barely noticeable under normal close inspection. There is a small scratch to one side of the sugar bowl, as shown in the photographs. Any minor imperfections should be considered in the context of the uncommon nature and age of this pair.
This is an especially attractive and unusual example of Royal Winton lustreware. The combination of the green textile-like ground, softly coloured floral decoration and highly iridescent glaze is quite distinctive, and we have been unable to find another example of this particular colour treatment — a great addition to a Royal Winton or English pottery collection.