Teacup and saucer (Black and White Pattern)

R H & S L Plant Ltd. at Tuscan Works, Longton, ca. 1947+

Fine English Bone China, paint

Dimensions variable

Owned by Alice Cilcus (? - 2009), Inherited by Hannah Vessio (2009 – present)

Personal collection

This matching teacup and saucer set are part of a collection of tea sets with various patterns. Featuring a black on white floral design with silver trimming, it is a product of the Tuscan Works by R.H. and S.L. Plant (Ltd.) before the company's absorption into the Wedgwood Group in 1972. It has a maker’s mark featuring a crown and set of wings with the inscription “Tuscan Fine English Bone China” above it and “Made in England” below. This mark helps to date the artifact to 1947 and beyond as alternate designs were used prior to that year, and the latest the mark could have been in production was 1972 as then the mark changed again to reflect the company’s take-over by the Wedgwood Group.

The set was initially purchased by a great aunt named Alice Cilcus, who collected a range of items like souvenir teaspoons, silver and gold charms for bracelets, matchbooks, Royal Doulton figures, Matryoshka dolls, and more. After her passing in 2009, some of her collectibles were inherited by the family, the tea sets amongst them. It is a vintage object and represents both an antiquated form of production and consumption. While a familiar object today, households typically do not use collectible and elaborate tea sets in daily life.

The object has a unique pattern and colour choice for that style of china. It is less ornate than many of the rose and botanical pattern designs that often decorate teasets of that era. Even if this particular style does not resonate, its purpose is almost universal and ancient as a vessel for tea and a form of social ritual, which has been rendered impossible at this moment. This object is not only significant personally but historically, artistically, and culturally as ordinary things often reveal the most about societies. 

Hannah Vessio