Royal Winton comports & centrepieces (made by Grimwades Ltd.) (England)

Popular in Victorian times, a centrepiece was designed to stand on a dining table or sideboard, and convey the theme of the gathering such as Christmas or Easter, as well as the social status of the owner. Often very elaborately made, they can take many forms, including epergnes, sculpture, multi basket containers for fruit or sweetmeats, and large bowls. They have been made in a variety of materials including glass, ceramics, silver, silverplate and bronze. Centrepiece is also the name given to the central feature of an item of jewellery such as a necklace or bracelet.

Grimwades was a pottery manufacturer based in Stoke-on-Trent, England, that operated from 1900 to 1964. The company was founded by Leonard Lumsden Grimwade, who had previously worked for the famous pottery firm Wedgwood.

Grimwades initially produced a wide range of pottery, including dinnerware, vases, and decorative items, but they soon became known for their high-quality earthenware teapots. These teapots were popular in England and were exported around the world, particularly to the United States.

In the early 20th century, Grimwades began to produce a line of pottery called "Royal Winton," which was produced from the early 20th more... century until the 1960s. The pottery is known for its brightly colored and whimsical designs, which were inspired by the Art Deco movement of the time.

Royal Winton pieces were typically made of earthenware and were often decorated with intricate patterns, florals, or scenes from nature. Some of the most popular designs included "Marguerite," "Summertime," and "Sweet Pea."

Under the Royal Winton brand, the company also produced a line of "Chintz" ware, which was highly sought after by collectors.

One of the most distinctive features of Royal Winton pottery is its use of lustreware. Lustreware is a type of pottery that has a metallic sheen, typically created by applying a thin layer of metal oxide to the surface of the piece. Royal Winton used lusterware extensively in their designs, giving their pieces a distinctive shimmer.

During World War II, Grimwades produced pottery for the war effort, including gas mask containers and mess tins. After the war, the company continued to produce pottery, but competition from other manufacturers and changing consumer tastes led to its decline.

In 1964 Grimwades Ltd was acquired by the Howard Pottery Group and the business traded as Royal Winton. less...