Modern Day Elegance

As collectors, we've all come to appreciate the beauty of Shelley as we gaze upon our collections carefully set upon shelves or lovingly ensconced in our favorite curio cabinet. Many, however, have enhanced the enjoyment of their collections by actually using them. Shelley was, after all, made to be used and enjoyed on a regular, if not daily, basis.

At the suggestion of a member, this page has been created for collectors to share their examples of modern day elegance: pictures of Shelley in use with tables set with linens, silverware, crystal, flowers, candles, and all the accessories that make for a beautiful table. As many of these photos demonstrate, it's not necessary to have a complete service; mixing and matching patterns and shapes will produce a thoroughly delightful result.

If you would like to be a part of this project, send your photos to webmaster@shelleychinaclub.com. You can use a dinner, luncheon, or breakfast setting, or maybe you have your table set for a brunch, buffet, tea, or bridge party. All submissions are welcome. Please identify the name of the pattern or patterns of Shelley, silver, glassware, and tell us anything else about the table setting that is of interest to you. Perhaps the linens you are using are heirlooms, if so please tell us.

To conclude, let us close with this description from a circular sent to prospective purchasers:

When you buy china, buy it not so much for the service it will give -- for any good china will last a lifetime with proper care -- but for the beauty it brings to your home. You will see it and use it practically every day. And, if it be Shelley China, one thing is certain -- that the passage of years will make not the slightest impression on its delightfully fresh appearance. Shelley is the china to live with -- it has the secret of perpetual charm.

Pick up a Shelley China cup with an ungloved hand. Feel its soft velvety surface and note its thin beauty -- a light body that belies its great strength. You will surely be charmed, too, by the delightfully fresh appearance of the colours. Ten, twenty -- a hundred years hence, they will still have the same rich lustre...

Shelley Potteries Ltd.