Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Pansies and Memories at Tea Time


It has occurred to me that I do not think I have shared how I have come to love vintage dishes so much.  You see, I grew up with a family of folks who appreciated all different kinds of older things.  That is why my shop and my blog are named "my place", because I appreciate all different styles and types of things.  A little bit of something for and from everyone.

For example, Mom is a fan of glass and china.  Do you remember the Candlewick Story?  She gave me this delightful teacup remembering my fondness for pansies.  
There was the uncle who collected large German glass Christmas tree ornaments and authentic beer steins, and his wife the Elvis fan.  My paternal grandmother had special shelves built for her Fenton collection.  My Sheffield Vase is from her.  Not to mention the vintage cars the guys were always oohing and aahing over.
Grandma, Mom's mom, was the plate collector.  She taught me how to flip them and find the maker's mark.  Someday I will remember to share my portion of her treasured Dutch plate collection.

This lovely piece is from the Brown Westhead Moore & Company in England.  It was imported for Pitkins & Brooks in Chicago.  The name "Cauldon" is not familiar to me.  I look forward to a tea break researching it.
One thing that I do that the older relatives would not appreciate is actually use my treasures.  The whole purpose of having these lovely things is to enrich our lives.  Sometimes things get broken, but that is just the way things are.  I used to tease Grandma about saving her good dishes for when the President would come.

If I  can find more ways to use items than they were intended for, that is even better.  Look at how two of Hubby's Currant Scones fit perfectly on the Indiana Glass Tray.  It was made for a creamer and sugar, and is waiting to be hung on the wall.  I would not want it to get bored, would I?
It's even better when I can send a piece home with a friend.
People are for loving and stuff is for sharing.  How's that for taking a heritage and improving on it?

My lovely teacup and I are joining these lovely tea parties.  Please join us!


And some vintage fun too!

15 comments:

  1. Love your little teacup and saucer - so pretty. I agree - we should use our vintage treasures.
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  2. What a lovely teacup and saucer with the beautiful pansies in such vivid colors! I like using my vintage treasures, otherwise what are they for? We need to have tea or coffee in them every once in a while and give it use. Happy Valentine's.
    FABBY

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  3. love the pansies set - very cute and dainty - what a wonderful lifestory - yes indeed I agree that you should use your treasures and enjoy them every day - it makes every day seem extra special.

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  4. What a beautiful set! I love pansies...so springy! What a fun family history! Cauldon is the place name of Brown Westhead & Moore (mid Victorian firm in Staffordshire, who eventually dropped the BWM and became Cauldon in 1905. They made some gorgeous stuff! Your set dates to around 1900. I LOVE it! Thanks for sharing your family's collections and thanks for linking with Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

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  5. "People are for loving and stuff is for sharing." That is quite a legacy! :)
    Lace

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  6. I agree we need to pull out our pretties and enjoy them. Can't take them with us, so let's enjoy them while we are here!
    Blessings,
    Susie

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  7. Lovely teacup -- I have a special place in my heart for pansies...
    I also like to use some of my special pieces, or they are out where I can enjoy them!

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  8. Hi: I am with you, I use everything. I love things to look beautiful, even if it is just to hold a pancake. I love your cup. I am so glad I found your blog. I just love reading it. Have a great week. Blessings, Martha

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  9. Your teacup is just so pretty and I love pansies! I think they're a lot like pansies; very friendly little flowers! I agree with you, we should be using all our lovely things. My MIL passed away and never used three-quarters of her 'gifts.' Thank you for sharing and joining me for tea. Have a delightful day.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  10. Oops~ I meant to say, pansies are a lot like daisies; very friendly flowers.

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  11. So you come from a family of collectors...how wonderful. You were taught young : )
    I too grew up following my mom around as she looked for her treasures, depression glass, roosters and chickens and clocks! She had the best luck!
    Your tea cup is really beautiful! I have not heard of that company before. The shape of the cup is one of my favorites and those flowers on it are so cheery!
    I enjoyed reading about your family.
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  12. My reply was lost...
    So I will try again.
    I loved reading about your interesting family. I too grew up seeing my mom collect all kinds of wonderful things.
    Your cup is so pretty with those flowers, so cheery! I have not heard of this company before and I always love seeing a new backstamp.
    Thank you so much for sharing with us.
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  13. Yes! I agree! You actually help keep the dishes and cups from getting brittle by using and washing them~ WHat a lovely sentiment and philosphy to share what you treasure~ Nice post. THANKS for visiting my blog :)
    Happy <3 Day~

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  14. I adore that pansy teacup, and those scones look so good. Hubby bakes? Wow!

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  15. Ooo! I love Pansies!

    When my boys were little, I had a whole set of china and we used it every day. I told them they were worth it. Every piece was eventually chipped and ruined and all I have left is the gravy boat! I wish now that I had set aside at least one place setting but oh well. I hopefully sent a message to them worth remembering. :)

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I am so glad that you stopped by! Remember, be happy, it messes with people's minds.