Royal Albert | Bone China | Cake Plate with Handles | Old English Rose | England | Mid-20th Century

Royal Albert | Bone China | Cake Plate with Handles | Old English Rose | England | Mid-20th Century

The roses are full-blown and unapologetic — the way a well-made thing tends to be.

Royal Albert was established at the Albert Works in Longton, Staffordshire, and became known for its richly decorated floral tableware. Old English Rose is among its more enduring patterns, defined by large-scale rose blooms arranged in a continuous garland. The use of deep crimson and soft pink tones, set against a cream ground, reflects the mid-century preference for fuller, more saturated floral decoration. The green crown backstamp reads “Royal Albert Bone China England” and is consistent with mid-twentieth-century production, although it does not establish an exact manufacturing date.

The plate is formed with a gently scalloped rim and two flat tab handles, one at each side, following the line of the border. The Old English Rose garland runs around the perimeter, with alternating blooms in deep crimson and pale rose-pink, accompanied by green foliage. The centre well remains plain cream, allowing the border to carry the decoration. A brushed gilt finish is applied along the outer edge and across the scalloped rim, lending a slightly textured surface consistent with hand-applied gilding.

There are no chips, cracks, or crazing. The surface remains clean, with only minor, localized losses to the gilt visible on close inspection. The plate presents in very good condition overall.

Key details

• Maker: Royal Albert
• Pattern/Model: Old English Rose
• Material: Bone china
• Origin: England
• Date: Mid-20th century (attributed)
• Size: Length (handle to handle) 25.3 cm
• Weight: 402 g
• Condition: Very good; minor gilt wear, no chips, cracks or crazing

Collector Appeal

The handled form gives the Old English Rose decoration a broad setting, with its continuous floral garland, scalloped rim and brushed gilt edging surrounding a plain cream centre.

Other 'Old English Rose' pieces from the shop: trio, large teapot, open sugar bowl, milk jug and 21-piece tea set.

A pattern that has outlasted the occasions it was made for — which is, perhaps, the quieter definition of endurance.