The Timeless Elegance Of Barker China Dinnerware Sets

Barker Bros & Sampson Smith China & Dinnerware is a collection of vintage and antique tableware. The range includes plates, bowls, cups, saucers, platters, cake stands, tureens, and serving dishes. The designs are elaborate and exquisite, with intricate patterns and gold trim. The collection features a variety of styles, including the popular Lorna Doone pattern, as well as Olde England, Old Abbey Scene, and Fantasy. The tableware is made from bone china, porcelain, and ironstone, with some pieces hand-painted. The sets are rare and highly sought-after, with some dating back to the 1880s.

Vintage Barker Brothers England Meir Works Fantasy Set

The Vintage Barker Brothers England Meir Works Fantasy Set is a collection of ceramic dinnerware produced by Barker Bros, a Staffordshire Pottery company established in 1876 and based in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, England. Barker Bros specialised in manufacturing earthenware and bone china, with their items often falling under trade names such as 'Meir', 'Primrosa', 'Tudor Ware', and 'Royal Tudor Ware'.

The Fantasy set was produced from 1912 to 1930, and again from 1937 onwards. The earlier version of the set can be identified by the MEIR WORKS LONGTON backstamp featuring a fleur-de-lys logo, while the later version features a backstamp with a crown and the words ROYAL TUDOR WARE. The Fantasy set is known for its pretty and collectible pattern, featuring an all-over chintz-like design of hand-painted flowers on a leafy blue transfer background.

The Vintage Barker Brothers England Meir Works Fantasy Set includes a variety of pieces, such as:

• Small dessert bowls
• Large platters
• Coffee pots and sets
• Teapots and sets
• Teacups and saucers
• Toast rack
• Cruet set
• Slop bowl
• Jugs
• Sandwich plate
• Eggcup plate with eggcups

The Fantasy set is a sought-after collection for those interested in vintage and antique china, with pieces available from various sellers, including Etsy and eBay.

Royal Tudor Ware

Some specific patterns and designs include Olde England, Lorna Doone, Coaching Taverns, and Richmond Shape. The Olde England pattern features a blue and white colour scheme, with some pieces also incorporating brown and gold accents. Lorna Doone pieces are often white with green trim, while Coaching Taverns pieces feature a blue and white colour scheme with a coach and horses design. The Richmond Shape set is a 36-piece dinner set.

Lorna Doone Chintz

• A 7" plate with a beautiful blue bird pattern and bright gold rim.
• A 3-tier cake stand with a chintz pattern and gold trim.
• A 10-inch plate in the Lorna Doone pattern.
• A 7.25" tall shaker.
• A dessert plate featuring the bird design.
• A cake plate with the Lorna Doone Chintz pattern and gold trim.
• A creamer pitcher with a blue bird design.
• A 7" cake plate with a gold rim and bird pattern.
• A 3-tier serving tray with a metal handle.
• A biscuit/cracker jar.
• A 1-tier tray with a handle.
• A square dish.

Olde England Blue

The Olde England Blue pattern appears on standard dinner plates, which measure 10 inches in diameter, as well as smaller coupe relish dishes, which come in sets of two. The collection also includes a 5-inch demitasse saucer plate, which is a smaller plate designed to accompany a demitasse cup, typically used for serving espresso or strong coffee.

In terms of serveware, the Olde England Blue line offers a gravy or sauce boat with a capacity of 14 ounces. This piece is available in two styles: one with an embossed design and a gold trim, and the other with a smooth surface and no gold trim. The Olde England Blue pattern also extends to a serving platter, although specific size information for this piece is not currently available.

The Olde England Blue collection by Barker Bros Ltd presents a cohesive and elegant tableware option, ideal for those who appreciate traditional and sophisticated dinnerware aesthetics.

Old English Country Crafts Blue

Barker China produced a variety of dinnerware sets, including the charming and rustic "Old English Country Crafts Blue" design. This particular pattern evokes a sense of traditional English countryside charm with its delicate blue and white color scheme. The design is a lovely addition to any table and offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for any dining occasion.

The "Old English Country Crafts Blue" dinnerware set features a range of pieces, including dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and cups with saucers. Each piece is crafted from fine china, showcasing the intricate design and attention to detail that Barker China is known for. The pattern features a delicate blue floral motif, with small clusters of flowers and leaves scattered across the plates and bowls. A thin, elegant blue line runs along the rim of each piece, providing a subtle frame that accentuates the overall design.

The beauty of this dinnerware set lies in its versatility. While it exudes a rustic charm, the elegant design and fine china construction also make it suitable for more formal occasions. The set can be dressed up with linen napkins and soft candlelight for an intimate dinner party or used for a casual lunch, paired with crisp white tableware for a fresh and inviting table setting.

When setting the table with the "Old English Country Crafts Blue" dinnerware, consider layering the plates to showcase the pattern. Start with a plain blue or white charger plate to create a foundation, then place the dinner plate on top, followed by the salad plate. This will ensure that your guests can fully appreciate the delicate design of each piece. For a more casual gathering, you could also use the salad plates for bread and butter plates, offering a smaller portion for light meals or afternoon tea.

To complete the table setting, add complementary glassware and flatware. Clear, simple glassware will allow the dinnerware pattern to shine, while sleek silverware with ornate handles can add a touch of elegance. For a truly rustic feel, incorporate natural elements such as wooden serving boards, napkin rings, and table decor featuring twine or burlap accents.

Whether you're hosting a cozy family dinner or a sophisticated gathering, the Barker China "Old English Country Crafts Blue" dinnerware set offers a delightful option that blends tradition and charm with refined elegance. Its versatility and unique design make it a timeless choice for any dining occasion.

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