We live in an era where space is becoming limited and kitchens never seem to have enough storage space for all the impedimenta that we seem to collect. So it struck me that most tableware manufacturers seem to give little thought to producing designs that are attractive, and yet also practical enough to stack neatly and safely into cupboards and storage areas.
Poole Pottery produced some really attractive designs that fitted the above criteria. The Compact shape was designed by Robert Jefferson in the 1960's. Cups had vertical sides and an inset base that allowed them to stack safely, making the most of available storage space. Dessert, cereal and soup bowls also fitted nicely inside each other, without awkward "sticky out" handles to cause the pile to topple.
The Poole Compact shape just seemed such a sensible idea, and was certainly a commercial success for the pottery. Indeed we still have a constant demand for this range, even though it has not been manufactured for several decades.
The photograph above shows some items from the Chestnut range, but Poole also produced many other colours and patterns in this shape. These included Parkstone, Broadstone, Charcoal, Choisya, Argosy, Arden, Lakestone, Melbury, Azure, Wimborne, Vortex, Cyclamen, Sherwood, Thistlewood, Lagoon and September. Colours were produced for every taste. Despite the fact that the range was discontinued so long ago. much of it survives in excellent condition and the on-line store Replace Your China has many excellent items for sale.
Poole Pottery's production of any tableware these days is minimal and their current influence on the tableware market is almost non existent. I hope this changes in the future as the pottery is very much part of the heritage of the town of Poole, but I am not holding my breath.
In the meantime lets hope that other manufacturers start give more thought to the practicality of their designs rather than just the aesthetics.
Enjoy your tableware.
Regards
Chris Eley
Email: chris@replaceyourchina.com
Tel: 01202 600838
