Cottage ware

Cottage ware evokes the nostalgic

Rustic idyll of rose-clad cottages and half-timbered buildings of 'Shakespeare country'. This is an evocative and currently low-priced collecting area for anyone Bone china and pottery cottage ware is a familiar sight in many homes around the country. Perfumed pastille burners and nightlights disguised as cottages were produced by manufacturers such as Spode, Coalport, and Worcester from the 1760s and throughout the 1800s. They appealed to a population uprooted from their rural traditions by a mass exodus to the cities.

Cottage ware 

There was a similar pastoral nostalgia in the late 1920s and early 30s, inspiring pieces that were intended both as stand-alone souvenirs and to serve a particular function.

A comforting glow

In 1893 Goss introduced a range of seven nightlight cottages that were reproductions of period houses. The open back of each housed a candle- holder: when the candle was lit, smoke came out of the chimney and the extra-thin porcelain windows glowed.

These cottages were made until 1929, and were so successful that the range was extended to 35. Prices vary from less than £50 to around ,£200. Goss cottages dated after 1929, when the factory was sold, are worth much less than earlier models.Countr

 teas

Manufacturers also applied the cottage shape to tea and coffee sets, which usually consisted of a tea or coffee pot, hot water jug. milk jug, and sugar bowl. Extra items could be added to the set, such as biscuit barrels, cheese and butter dishes, jam and preserve pots, cruets, and dessert plates. Individual pieces often fetch less than .£100. Teapots, though,

Cottage ware 

are a popular collecting field in themselves and are usually more valuable than other pieces, because they are in such high demand. Jugs also command high prices

.A dream of thatch

In 1933 Wade Heath launched its popular thatched cottage' tableware, including items such as biscuit barrels and jam pots. As production lasted until 1971, pieces are easily found and prices start at ,£20. Beswick cottage ware, also produced from the 1930s, is not as collectable as Royal Winton (its decoration is often less fine), but Beswick cottage ware teapots have a following — as do those by Burlington, J.H. Wood, and Price Bros.

An idyll lives on

Cottage ware 

Lilliput Lane, established in 1982, is renowned worldwide for its delicately painted, miniature resin cottages. As new models were launched, older ones were retired' and have become collectable. Some of the early cottages were produced in small numbers, or the colour was changed, or a chimney or window was added. The original versions can fetch a high price. For example, Dove Cottage' was produced in two versions between 1983 and 1988. Those produced in the first year have a name-plate and can he worth .£300-400; the more numerous models produced until 1988, without a name- plate. often fetch less than £60. Lilliput Lane's limited editions are highly valued: Cliburn School', produced in 1983 in an edition of 84, can sell for around £2,500. The most sought-after Lilliput Lane patterns are Drapers'

Cottage ware 

(first two versions); 'Crofters Cottage', also known as The Croft' (first two versions); 'Dale Farm' (any version);'Fire House'; Holly' (first version); and Out of the Storm'. Old Mill' and Old Mine' are rare.

David Winter is a name to watch, especially for special- or limited-edition cottages or the larger, rarer models. In 1981 Winter produced the bestselling Stratford House' model, with rickety roof, wobbly walls, and giant chimneys — the trademarks of his style. 'Fairytale Castle' (1982), The Bakehouse' (1983). and The Bothy' (1983) are enduring favorites. Also collectable are Sabrina's Cottage', Double Oast', 'Chichester Cross', 'The Coaching Inn'. 


'Little Mill' 

Cottage ware 

and 'Mill House' (first mould). Many Winter cottages sell for much less than £100; rarer pieces will fetch more.

Top Tips

Note that a special edition is different from a limited edition: the former is made for a set 

time, while the latter is limited to a set number of pieces.

Cottage ware 

Look for any Royal Winton cottage ware cups, saucers, plates, and table lamp bases, as they are all rare.

If collecting Lilliput Lane, ensure that all cottages have an authentic stamp and the correct sticker. Also, keep the box and title deeds in good condition. When selling, consider using the Internet to reach the American market, where cottage ware is highly popular, and prices may be higher.