Shelley | ‘Rock Garden’ | Chintz Bone China Trio | England, c. 1945–1966
A whole garden wall in flower, gathered onto a teacup.
Shelley of Longton, Staffordshire, made fine bone china until 1966, when the firm was taken over by Allied English Potteries. Its chintz patterns cover the whole surface in printed flowers. ‘Rock Garden’ shows pink, yellow, blue and white blooms spilling between pale stones. The green “Fine Bone China” backstamp on these pieces was used from the mid-1940s until 1966.
Each trio is a teacup, saucer and side plate. The cup flares to a gently scalloped rim, with a pale green interior, foot and handle. The saucer and plate have wavy rims, and every piece is edged with a fine green line.
Excellent condition. No chips, cracks, crazing or restoration.
Key Details
Maker: Shelley, England
Pattern: ‘Rock Garden’
Material: bone china
Marks: green shield backstamp “Fine Bone China Shelley England”, with the pattern name “Rock Garden” in a red cartouche
Date: c. 1945–1966 (backstamp)
Each trio: teacup, saucer and side plate
Available: four trios; price is per trio
Condition: excellent
Buyer profile: Shelley and chintz collectors, and anyone setting an afternoon tea table
Collector Appeal
The closely printed pattern and fine green edging reward careful inspection, and these trios keep clean surfaces and intact borders. Four matching trios are available, enough to set a small tea table in one pattern.
Among the stones, the flowers have found every space in which to grow.
