Recreations
From the most stylish and glamorous era in the twentieth century
This stunning range of Great Western Railway tableware successfully re-brands the familiar black leaf pattern and the iconic GWR roundel. These products are designed to reflect those used in the halcyon years of the internationally renown Great Western Railway.
Background
The company’s origins date back to 1835 and began with the appointment of Isambard Kingdom Brunel as its first Chief Engineer. Always at the cutting edge of technology and at the pinnacle of style the GWR grew to become one of the largest commercial ventures in the world!
By 1923 it was carrying 170,000,000 passengers a year together with 60,000,000 tons of goods. With 108,110 employees its empire stretched from its London Paddington Headquarters to Penzance in Cornwall and as far North as Liverpool. Its operations encompassed ocean going ships, major docks throughout South Wales, aeroplanes and some of the countries finest hotels.
During the 1930’s, not wishing to appear to fall behind the times, the GWR embarked upon a massive modernisation plan. The scheme included new rolling stock, rebuilt stations and hotels together with goods facilities and infrastructure.
The design on the product contained here depicts the typical black leaf pattern used on GWR porcelain during this period which would have appeared in on train restaurant cars, station buffets and in the company’s famous hotels.
The Range
The products offer outstanding performance and durability due to the use of vitrified hotel-ware and these quality items have been sympathetically decorated using a hand-applied technique.
The range has been produced in conjunction with the National Museum of Science and Industry – NRM and consequently every sale makes a contribution to their good works. As an organisation that is deeply committed to the preservation of our rich heritage, we are delighted to see this contribution which we hope will have a direct effect on preserving our valuable railway heritage.
I was delighted to receive your first samples of the GWR porcelain, which I though were remarkable, in that they were so like the originals. I have no hesitation therefore other that to fully endorse the new collection, which so skillfully brings a bygone age of railway memorabillia to life, whilst benefiting the National Museum of Science and Industry. Both Lady McAlpine and I wish you every success with your esciting adventure.
The Hon Sir William McAlpine Bt
Endorsement
As one of the UK’s best known and most respected supporters of the railway preservation movement as well as an avid collector of memorabilia we are delighted to receive support for making these products available from Sir William McAlpine to whom we are deeply indebted.
Sir William McAlpine made a significant contribution to Britain’s railway heritage and is celebrated for his role in preserving one of its most iconic locomotives, the Flying Scotsman. As its owner for 23 years, he is widely recognised for rescuing the engine from America, purchasing it for £25,000 and arranging for its return to the UK from San Francisco, where it had been on tour. He then funded its restoration and return to main line service, ensuring its place in British railway history for future generations.
A lifelong railway enthusiast, Sir William’s passion for railway heritage makes his endorsement of our heritage crockery range especially meaningful. At the Centenary Lounge, that same spirit of preservation and celebration lives on through the Recreations range, which reflects the elegance, craftsmanship and nostalgia of the golden age of rail travel. His words are a fitting tribute to a collection that helps bring this rich heritage to life within the Centenary Lounge experience.
Take a trip back in time
Create your own bespoke set from our GWR Crockery range
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£59.00 -
£39.00
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£29.00
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£10.95
