Richard Brendon has collaborated with the V&A to create a range of exquisite bone china, shining a light on the golden era of Georgian ceramics. The V&A range consists of four striking saucers to pair with his signature gold and platinum reflective teacups, as well as four decorative mugs. The teacups and saucers are a development of Richard’s first collection, Reflect, which propelled his brand forward when it launched in 2013. The original collection breathes life into to ‘orphaned’ antique saucers, which have lost their matching teacups over time. When the reflective cups are placed onto the patterned antique saucer, they perfectly mirror the design below, making it appear as though the pair have always belonged together.
For the first instalment of the collaboration Richard has selected four of his favourite patterns from the V&A’s vast archives tore-imagine with playful, whimsical and contemporary twists:The ‘Tree of Life’ design is inspired by Ridgway and Spode patterns from the early 19th century and features a surreal giant caterpillar and a mother woodpecker feeding her chick. In ‘Georgian Lilies’ the flowers are under attack from very hungry caterpillars anda butterfly is revealed in the well of the saucer when the cup is lifted. ‘Dragon Flower’ is a contemporary interpretation of Spode and Derby’s porcelain from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, replacing traditional floral designs with dragons. Finally, Richard re-imagines the mythical dragons seen in a Thomas RoseCoalport pattern, featuring them in front of a fantastical and psychedelic backdrop in ‘Mythical Beasts’.
“Since the launch of my brand, I have wanted to create a bone china collection inspired by the very best Georgian and Victorian British porcelain, to celebrate the exceptional craftsmanship and creativity from this bygone era. When the opportunity arose to work with theV&A, one of my favourite places in London and one which boasts one of the world’s best ceramic collections, I was absolutely delighted. I couldn’t think of a better museum to collaborate with for this project.” Richard Brendon
The range perfectly demonstrates Richard’s ability to reframe original masterpieces in an imaginative way, and is a homage to British craftsmanship both past and present. Indeed, a great deal of consideration has gone into the research, design and creation of each of the saucers: the attention to detail in the patterns, illustrations, printing and manufacturing is second to none. To bring the range to life, Richard has partnered with illustrator Chris Martin and as always, the phenomenally skilled potters ofStoke-on-Trent, the home of British ceramics.
“We are excited to be working with Richard, who has a deep appreciation of fine porcelain and has captured and applied some wonderful details from the exceptional V&A ceramics collection. The patterns provide harmony and suit his rather tantalising signature cups and saucers. We are delighted that the addition of mugs will make the designs and products accessible to a broader customer.” Lauren Sizeland, Head of Business Development, V&A
To complement the mugs, teacups and saucers, Richard Brendon offers a full range of Reflect tea ware in gold and platinum, which are guaranteed to make a statement at any afternoon tea.
