Monday 27 September 2010

✴ joy in the task of coffee

A couple of months ago we took a drive out to Dorking one sunday afternoon. It wasn't so much that Dorking held any captivation or interest but was more of an exploratory drive out to see what we could find. 
Dorking is pretty much closed on a sunday it has to be said. Except for the usual 'open all weathers' like Costa Coffee shop {phew!} and Marks, I also stumbled upon The Quilt Room and although that too was sadly shut on a sunday I was able to spend a few minutes ogling the fat quarters with my nose pressed to the glass of this quaint little shop, yes, a bit like a weirdo...
I was lamenting the loss of a fabric shopping spree when we walked past a rather busy and bubbling leisure centre {obviously the place to be} with a bit of an antiques fair going on inside...
It was right at the end of the day and the stall holders were starting to pack up. I spotted this coffee set straight away and instantly fell in love. I'll admit I'm not much of a coffee person but what's not to love with pretty vintage china? The pattern is just so pretty and the shimmering gold leaf and jade green and tangerine flowers makes my heart sing, yes it really does!
The entire set - 6 coffee cups and saucers, coffee pot, milk jug and sugar bowl I got for £30.
Royal Staffordshire bone china and about 1950's I think.
So dainty delicate and I'm reckoning not at all dishwasher safe....and I don't drink coffee....
Will these ever get used and does that matter?
William Morris famously said,
'Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful'
But he didn't say anything about them having to be both, right??

Playing along with Flea Market Finds.


9 comments:

  1. What a pretty coffee set and what a pretty blog! I also like that man Mr Morris.

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  2. No weirdo, i often have my nose pressed up against closed patchwork shops in quaint towns, you wish they left an honesty key or something!! Love Posie

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  3. They are just stunning. What a wonderful find. You must use them - imagine the joy you'll get from sipping tea out of them. I'm relaxed just looking at them!

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  4. Yes I ahve to agree that Bill was one cool guy! Of course there is no reason you can't drink tea out of those cups ... Very pretty - a lovely find!

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  5. wow it was your lucky day..what gems!

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  6. A beautiful find! I love the mint green and gold.

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  7. I think you've got it covered. They're coffee cups so you know they are useful. If you decide not to use them, they will still be coffee cups and therefore will still have a use - right? The proof that they are beautiful is in the pictures. So you're on to a winner with both!

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  8. they are so gorgeous ... isn't it amazing what you can find?
    My Flea Market Find

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