Royal Albert | Sweet Romance | Bone China | Open Sugar Bowl | England | c.1960–1978

The open sugar bowl is the most sociable piece on the tea table — it assumes company.

Established in Longton, Staffordshire in 1896, Royal Albert built its reputation on finely potted bone china decorated with confident floral subjects and restrained gilt detailing. Produced from 1960 to 1978, the Sweet Romance pattern sits within the firm’s mature mid-century output — a period defined by bold, centralised floral compositions rather than scattered ornament. The deep crimson bloom, set against a clean white ground with cool grey-green foliage, gives the pattern a stronger visual presence than many of its contemporaries.

The bowl is of a classic footed and gently waisted form, with a softly lobed and scalloped rim. The exterior carries a large, fully open crimson rose with accompanying buds and foliage arranged across the body. A fine gilt line follows the rim, while a double gilt band defines the foot ring. The interior is plain white, providing a clean contrast to the exterior decoration.

The bowl is in excellent condition. There are no chips, cracks, or crazing, and the gilt remains intact and bright throughout.

Key Details

• Maker: Royal Albert
• Pattern: Sweet Romance
• Material: Bone china
• Form: Open sugar bowl
• Origin: England
• Date: c.1960–1978
• Diameter: 10.4 cm
• Height: 6 cm
• Weight: 153 g
• Condition: Excellent

Collector Appeal

Sugar bowls are less frequently replaced than cups and saucers, making them slightly harder to source as standalone pieces. As part of a growing set or as a display object, they carry both functional and visual value.

A pattern that stayed in production for eighteen years earned that longevity one tea table at a time.