Shelley | 'Heather' — Scenic Series, Pattern 0187 | Six Trios | New Cambridge Shape | Fine Bone China | Circa 1940s | Good Used Condition

Autumn on the moors — a stone bridge, golden trees and a burst of heather colour that carries the whole landscape into warmth.

'Heather' is one of Shelley's evocative scenic landscape series — a richly detailed transfer composition depicting a double-arched stone bridge over a Highland river, framed by amber autumn foliage and vivid bursts of pink and mauve heather. It was produced on the New Cambridge shape, Shelley's elegant angular teaware form with its characteristic octagonal cup and square-cornered side plate with scalloped edges. The green script 'Shelley England / Fine Bone China' backstamp, together with the pattern designation 'Heather / "L" Series / 0187', places this set firmly in the 1940s production period. Shelley ceased independent production in 1966, and pieces from this era — particularly complete sets of six trios — are increasingly scarce.

Each trio comprises a New Cambridge teacup, saucer and square side plate, all decorated with the 'Heather' transfer in warm amber, green, grey and rose tones, with a painted heather-and-gorse motif to the cup interior. Rims are finished with a fine gilt line throughout.

Condition

Good used. No chips, cracks or crazing on any of the eighteen pieces. Gilding shows honest wear consistent with regular use — most notably on the cup rims and handle terminals. The transfer decoration is sharp and well-registered across the set.

Key Details

• Maker: Shelley Potteries Ltd, Longton, Staffordshire
• Pattern: 'Heather', Scenic "L" Series, No. 0187
• Shape: New Cambridge
• Backstamp: Green script 'Shelley / Fine Bone China / England' — circa 1940s
• Pieces: 18 — 6 teacups, 6 saucers, 6 side plates
• Material: Fine bone china
• Period: Circa 1940s
• Dimensions: Cup approximately 7cm h; Side plate approximately 16cm square
• Gilding: Fine gilt rim line — wear on cup rims and handle terminals
• Condition: Good used — no chips, cracks or crazing
• Buyer profile: Shelley collector; lover of scenic English bone china; gift buyer seeking a complete usable set

The bridge has stood through every season — this set simply brings the finest one indoors.