Richard Brendon has collaborated with the V&A to create a range of exquisite bone china, shining a light on the golden era of Georgian ceramics.
The V&A range consists of four striking saucers to pair with his signature gold and platinum reflective teacups, as well as four decorative mugs. The teacups and saucers are a development of Richard’s first collection, Reflect, which launched in 2013. When the reflective cups are placed onto the patterned antique saucer, they perfectly mirror the design below, making it appear as though the pair have always belonged together.
For the first instalment of the collaboration Richard has selected four of his favourite patterns from the V&A’s archives to re-imagine with playful, whimsical and contemporary twists: The ‘Tree of Life’ design is inspired by Ridgway and Spode patterns from the early 19th century and features a surreal giant caterpillar and a mother woodpecker feeding her chick. In ‘Georgian Lilies’ the flowers are under attack from very hungry caterpillars and a butterfly is revealed in the well of the saucer when the cup is lifted. ‘Dragon Flower’ is a contemporary interpretation of Spode and Derby’s porcelain from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, replacing traditional floral designs with dragons. Finally, Richard re-imagines the mythical dragons seen in a Thomas Rose Coalport pattern, featuring them in front of a fantastical and psychedelic backdrop in ‘Mythical Beasts’.
“Since the launch of my brand, I have wanted to create a bone china collection inspired by the very best Georgian and Victorian British porcelain, to celebrate the exceptional craftsmanship and creativity from this bygone era. When the opportunity arose to work with the V&A, one of my favourite places in London and one which boasts one of the world’s best ceramic collections, I was absolutely delighted. I couldn’t think of a better museum to collaborate with for this project,†said Richard Brendon.
The range perfectly demonstrates Richard’s ability to reframe original masterpieces in an imaginative way, and is a homage to British craftsmanship both past and present.
To bring the range to life, Richard has partnered with illustrator Chris Martin and as always, the phenomenally skilled potters of Stoke-on-Trent, the home of British ceramics. “We are excited to be working with Richard, who has a deep appreciation of fine porcelain and has captured and applied some wonderful details from the exceptional V&A ceramics collection. The patterns provide harmony and suit his rather tantalizing signature cups and saucers. We are delighted that the addition of mugs will make the designs and products accessible to a broader customer,†said Lauren Sizeland, Head of Business Development, V&A.
To complement the mugs, teacups and saucers, Richard Brendon offers a full range of Reflect teaware in gold and platinum, which are guaranteed to make a statement at any afternoon tea.
The full collection will be available on richardbrendon.com and in the V&A Shop from September 10, 2021. The collection will also be available from leading worldwide retailers.
