This is it, ladies and gentlemen, I am officially 60 years old now. I had a posh “English afternoon tea party” (it was my daughter’s idea). Old fine bone china cups were taken out of the display cabinet at last. They had been sitting there unused for ages! And from now on I refuse to drink my tea from a mug! A fine bone china cup on a saucer for me, thank you very much!
Да, дамы и господа, мне официально исполнилось 60 лет, которые мы отметили изысканным английским чаепитием (это была идея моей дочки). Старинные тонкие фарфоровые чашки были наконец-то вытащены из серванта. Они сидели в нём годами без дела! И теперь я отказываюсь пить чай из кружек. Пожалуйте мне английскую чашечку на блюдечке из костяного фарфора!
My first “brief encounter” with the English porcelain happened some 40 years ago in Novosibirsk, in a … household store called “1000 essentials”. There, among pots and pans, and DIY goods they put on display an enormous table dinner set for 12 people with the label “Made in England” on it. The set was white with blue pastoral motifs all over it; it was so beautiful and so expensive – people would just go and admire it as if it was a museum exhibit. Then one day it was gone! Who bought it I wonder?
Моё первое короткое знакомство с английским фарфором состоялось примерно 40 лет назад в Новосибирске, в магазине … хозтоваров “1000 мелочей”. Там, среди кастрюль и сковородок, и товаров для ремонта квартир был выставлен на обозрение огромный обеденный сервиз на 12 персон с надписью “Сделано в Англии”. Сервиз был белый, украшенный синими пасторальными сюжетами, такой красивый и такой дорогой, что народ приходил в магазин, чтобы просто полюбоваться на него как на музейный экспонат. Потом он вдруг исчез. Интересно, кто его купил?
I’ve always liked china, and in England I never miss a chance to visit yet another porcelain museum. Sadly most of them are housed in former factories which have been closing down one by one. Is this what we call “economic progress”?
Here are just the two of them. “The Royal Worcester” in the city of Worcester, also famous for its ancient Cathedral with the choir as well as the music of Elgar who was born not far from this city.
Я всегда любила фарфор, и в Англии никогда не упускаю случай посетить очередной музей фарфора. К сожалению, большинство таких музеев теперь находятся в помещениях бывших фабрик, которые закрываются одна за другой. Это то, что мы называем экономическим прогрессом?
Вот только два таких музея. “Королевский Вустер” в городе Вустер, знаменитый также своим древним собором и хором, а также музыкой Элгара, который родился недалеко от этого города.
And here’s another one: the Coalport china museum not far from the lovely town of Ironbridge where the first iron bridge in the world was built in 1777-79 across the river Severn.
И вот ещё один: музей фарфора Coalport недалеко от чудесного городка Ironbridge (“Чугунный мост”), в котором в 1777-79 годах был возведён первый в мире чугунный мост через реку Северн.
The good news is, you do not have to break the bank to get yourself a bone china souvenir – just visit a few charity shops where you can find beautiful examples of English china for £3 – £5. (More in my post Boys and their toys)
In museum gift shops though souvenirs are pricey (some of them are mega expensive!). All we could afford was a chunky handmade round clay pot which now sits happily in our little garden.
И знайте, что вовсе не надо разоряться, если вы хотите приобрести сувенир из костяного фарфора – просто походите по благотворительным магазинчикам, где вы найдёте чудесные образцы английского фарфора за 3-5 фунтов. (Ещё об этом в моём посте Boys and their toys)
В музейных магазинах сувениры дорогие (некоторые супердорогие!). Всё, что мы смогли себе позволить – это тяжёлый круглый глиняный горшок для цветов, который теперь обосновался в нашем садике.
A cup of tea anyone? Не хотите ли чашку чая?
Special Lady Special Day
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Alex, Your’e 60 ! My goodness you look so young. What is the secret ? You are a diamond (Ha ha). Bone China Tea Services or the odd cup and saucer…many years ago I went to the factory shops in the ‘Potteries’ (Stoke on Trent). Might be worth looking them up. One manufacturer is AINSLEY (Beautiful brooches) Are you really 60 ?? I don’t believe it. Lovely blog, by the way. Why don’t you write a book on growing up in Novosibrsk. I remember the stories of your Mum’s flat and her dog AND the winters ! My gosh our winters with one snowflake must make your eyes roll…ha ha. Bx
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Hi Bernadette, I have put Stoke on Trent on my “must go” list!
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Once again, Happy Birthday, and many more in good health with your wonderful family, to 120!
Gorgeous porcelain – I love it, too! When I visit my son in Boston, he takes me antiquing to all the little towns around Salem where I get Spode, and Ainsley, and Wedgewood, but unfortunately not at the ridiculously law prices you are quoting!
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Dear Dolly, thank you for your good wishes!
I have to admit, collectible items are quite expensive in this country too. In my posts I am taking about mass production porcelain goodies which are also very pretty!
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I am talking about the same! Collectibles are way out of my range.
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Thanks, Sasha! It is very interesting information.
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Dinochka, it might be useful for you in the very near future! 🙂
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Lovely post! Happy Birthday once again and many more years to drink tea off nice Bone China!
I think back at home (Russia or Ukraine or elsewhere in USSR) , especially when we were kids we didn’t have a chance to have or even see good Bone China – expensive, not available.
I have a good friend in Almaty, Zina, she’s 92 this year and a big lover of Bone China. When we visited Statford-on-Avon with her a few years ago, she saw a white and blue tea set in one of the shops and fell in love with it. She bought it! You must really love Bone China to be prepared to take it across half of the planet!
Thanks for the post, it reminded me of this story!
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Thank you, Marina, for the moving story and God bless the old lady!
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Happy birthday, Sasha! I truly hope the year ahead will be your best yet.
In your classic generosity, though, it’s YOU who have delivered the gift, in the form of this wonderful post. Those photos from the Worcester museum were particularly exquisite. Thank you for opening my eyes to a world I never knew existed …
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Thank you dear Ms H for yet another glowing comment and good wishes. I will have to work harder in order to correspond to such appraisal!
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You have *already* earned my glowing praise and good wishes, Ms S! But if my comment encourages you to write another post, all the better. I love your writing and your photos …
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🙂
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Hi Sasha,
Do you feel grown-up yet? I do, almost, but still have the urge to jump in puddles sometimes.
Have a great year, Joy
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So you should Joy! Getting older is inevitable, growing up is optional!
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So beautiful! If you are in Paris one day don’t miss the Sevres Manufactory http://www.sevresciteceramique.fr/site.php?type=P&id=7
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Thank you very much! I’ve added the place to my “Paris list” 🙂
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