Well made pieces are a thing of joy and remind us of moments we’ve spent together. Handcrafted pottery is often handed down, everyday heirlooms that become part of your story. Our pieces have been cherished by generations and we love to see them brought together, so we've created some styling tips to help mix and match old and new Denby effortlessly.
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Mixing old and new.
Some of the most treasured pieces in our homes have been handed down through the generations, and whilst we may no longer be able to add to these vintage collections, mixing older pieces of Denby with our current ranges can create a really stylish and unique look in any space. We asked our Design Director and Museum Curator to give their suggestions for mixing vintage and current Denby ranges...
Vintage pattern: Gypsy
TRY: IMPRESSION PINK
The age of flower power - large dusky-pink wild roses complemented the gently curving shapes for this 1971 pattern which harmonised both traditional and modern styles. This pattern was more recently the inspiration for our Heritage Orchard pattern. Gypsy looks as relevant today and blends with subtle Elements Sorbet Pink and the calming tones of Impression pink and cream.
The age of flower power - large dusky-pink wild roses complemented the gently curving shapes for this 1971 pattern which harmonised both traditional and modern styles. This pattern was more recently the inspiration for our Heritage Orchard pattern. Gypsy looks as relevant today and blends with subtle Elements Sorbet Pink and the calming tones of Impression pink and cream.
Vintage pattern: Arabesque
TRY: STUDIO CRAFT
A trip to Moscow inspired designer Gill Pemberton to create Arabesque on her return to the UK in 1963. Originally a hand-painted giftware range, Arabesque was later launched as a tableware collection in 1964. All the contemporary four mix and match shades of Studio Craft blend with Arabesque each highlighting a different colour in this classic vintage Denby collection.
A trip to Moscow inspired designer Gill Pemberton to create Arabesque on her return to the UK in 1963. Originally a hand-painted giftware range, Arabesque was later launched as a tableware collection in 1964. All the contemporary four mix and match shades of Studio Craft blend with Arabesque each highlighting a different colour in this classic vintage Denby collection.
Vintage pattern: Chevron
TRY: NATURAL CANVAS
Designed in 1962 with our Scandinavian customers in mind, Chevron was the result of Gill Pemberton talking to a turner whilst he using a roulette design to decorate jars intended to hold cheese. Although discontinued in 1978, a true classic never wains and Chevon inspired Natural Canvas in our current portfolio and the two patterns sit alongside one another perfectly.
Designed in 1962 with our Scandinavian customers in mind, Chevron was the result of Gill Pemberton talking to a turner whilst he using a roulette design to decorate jars intended to hold cheese. Although discontinued in 1978, a true classic never wains and Chevon inspired Natural Canvas in our current portfolio and the two patterns sit alongside one another perfectly.
Vintage pattern: Cottage Blue
TRY: STUDIO BLUE
Cottage Blue glaze was developed in the 1920s for cookware. Freelance Designer and sculptor, Donald Gibert so liked the deep flecked colour of Cottage Blue when he joined Denby in the 1930s that he designed shapes to expand the range into tableware. Although Imperial Blue takes the place of Cottage Blue as a modern classic, its Studio Blue which shares the strong deep tones of Colbalt Blue in Cottage Blue.
Cottage Blue glaze was developed in the 1920s for cookware. Freelance Designer and sculptor, Donald Gibert so liked the deep flecked colour of Cottage Blue when he joined Denby in the 1930s that he designed shapes to expand the range into tableware. Although Imperial Blue takes the place of Cottage Blue as a modern classic, its Studio Blue which shares the strong deep tones of Colbalt Blue in Cottage Blue.
Vintage pattern: Manor Green
TRY: REGENCY GREEN
In soft tones of Meadow Green, Manor Green of the late 1930s was handcrafted in iconic Cottage Blue shapes. A Denby classic until 1983 Manor Green joined the trio of Denby classics popular both in the home and in hospitality. Regency Green is a contemporary mellow version of Manor Green.
In soft tones of Meadow Green, Manor Green of the late 1930s was handcrafted in iconic Cottage Blue shapes. A Denby classic until 1983 Manor Green joined the trio of Denby classics popular both in the home and in hospitality. Regency Green is a contemporary mellow version of Manor Green.
Vintage pattern: Homestead Brown
TRY: STUDIO CRAFT
This glaze colour was a refined version of the Utility Brown which was used to decorate pottery produced during the Second World War when raw materials to make coloured glazes became difficult to obtain. Homestead Brown was so popular it remained in the Denby portfolio from 1948-1984. Mix and match with the wood inspired tones of Studio Craft.
This glaze colour was a refined version of the Utility Brown which was used to decorate pottery produced during the Second World War when raw materials to make coloured glazes became difficult to obtain. Homestead Brown was so popular it remained in the Denby portfolio from 1948-1984. Mix and match with the wood inspired tones of Studio Craft.
Vintage pattern: Greenwheat
TRY: GREENWICH
Often referred to as 'Wheatsheaf', but was actually called Greenwheat was designed by Albert Colledge in the 1950s and carries a backstamp of Albert's signature. Handpainted in minimalist style with decoration inspired by the brush strokes of early Japanese potters Greenwheat featured in the Denby portfolio until 1977. From the current portfolio, we suggest the calming Impression Cream or the deep tones of Greenwich to mix with Greenwheat.
Often referred to as 'Wheatsheaf', but was actually called Greenwheat was designed by Albert Colledge in the 1950s and carries a backstamp of Albert's signature. Handpainted in minimalist style with decoration inspired by the brush strokes of early Japanese potters Greenwheat featured in the Denby portfolio until 1977. From the current portfolio, we suggest the calming Impression Cream or the deep tones of Greenwich to mix with Greenwheat.
Vintage pattern: Potter's Wheel
TRY: STUDIO CRAFT
Designed in 1973 by David Yorath, Potter's Wheel had a simple yet appealing oatmeal and brown pattern of hand painted concentric circles with the centre glazed in shades of a 'rust' colour, yellow, green or blue. Stone & Teak condiment sets complimented the collection. Discontinued in 1987 Denby suggests Studio Craft Walnut to complement Potters Wheel.
Designed in 1973 by David Yorath, Potter's Wheel had a simple yet appealing oatmeal and brown pattern of hand painted concentric circles with the centre glazed in shades of a 'rust' colour, yellow, green or blue. Stone & Teak condiment sets complimented the collection. Discontinued in 1987 Denby suggests Studio Craft Walnut to complement Potters Wheel.
Vintage pattern: Castile
TRY: STUDIO BLUE, IMPRESSION BLUE, ELEMENTS BLUE
Shares the same manufacture dates of 1975-1987 and background as it's sister pattern, Seville. There was also a deep green version called Venice which was produced from 1978-82. To complement Castile from the current portfolio, Denby would recommend a few patterns should be considered - Impression Blue Accent, Elements Blue, Studio Blue Chalk, Flint or Pebble.
Shares the same manufacture dates of 1975-1987 and background as it's sister pattern, Seville. There was also a deep green version called Venice which was produced from 1978-82. To complement Castile from the current portfolio, Denby would recommend a few patterns should be considered - Impression Blue Accent, Elements Blue, Studio Blue Chalk, Flint or Pebble.
Vintage pattern: Romany
TRY: STUDIO CRAFT
Described as 'old gold' in colour Romany is encircled with a dark-brown cascading glaze. This rustic pattern was designed in 1971 to mix and match with accent floral Minstral which had large golden and yellow and flowers. Romany was discontinued in 1984 and today we would suggest Studio Craft in Birch or Elm would blend with Romany.
Described as 'old gold' in colour Romany is encircled with a dark-brown cascading glaze. This rustic pattern was designed in 1971 to mix and match with accent floral Minstral which had large golden and yellow and flowers. Romany was discontinued in 1984 and today we would suggest Studio Craft in Birch or Elm would blend with Romany.
Vintage pattern: Seville
TRY: NATURAL CANVAS
The elegant shapes of The Renaissance Collection which featured rouletting detail were created by Gill Pemberton in 1975 with the American market in mind. Seville and its sister pattern, Castile, remained in the Denby portfolio until 1987. Denby would recommend Natural Canvas from the current selection to complement Seville.
Vintage pattern: Studio
TRY: HERITAGE FLAGSTONE
Launched in 1963 Studio, designed by Glyn Colledge, was considered sophisticated with dark brown vertical lines and orange highlights against what has been described as grey 'hare's fur' toned glaze. Studio was discontinued in 1987 and we suggest looking at three patterns to sit with vintage Studio - Elements Grey, Studio Grey and Heritage Flagstone.
Launched in 1963 Studio, designed by Glyn Colledge, was considered sophisticated with dark brown vertical lines and orange highlights against what has been described as grey 'hare's fur' toned glaze. Studio was discontinued in 1987 and we suggest looking at three patterns to sit with vintage Studio - Elements Grey, Studio Grey and Heritage Flagstone.
Vintage pattern: Encore
TRY: WHITE, ELEMENTS LIGHT GREY
Designed by Thelma Hague in the 1982 during the floral period of the 1980s Dauphine featured delicate Sweatpeas on fine stoneware. Discontinued in 1987, this pattern returned by popular demand as 'Encore' in 1988 on a different curved shape and was eventually discontinued 10 years later in 1998. Due to the crisp white background glaze, Denby would recommend Denby Porcelain to sit alongside Dauphine and Encore.
Designed by Thelma Hague in the 1982 during the floral period of the 1980s Dauphine featured delicate Sweatpeas on fine stoneware. Discontinued in 1987, this pattern returned by popular demand as 'Encore' in 1988 on a different curved shape and was eventually discontinued 10 years later in 1998. Due to the crisp white background glaze, Denby would recommend Denby Porcelain to sit alongside Dauphine and Encore.
Vintage pattern: Daybreak
TRY: LINEN, HERITAGE VERANDA, HERITAGE ORCHARD
Featuring a stylised Christmas Rose, Daybreak was designed by Claire Bernard and launched in 1983 on the new Sherwood shape series. Daybreak was immensely popular for many years eventually being discontinued 17 years later in 2000. There are three contemporary patterns which can complement Daybreak and we recommend Linen, Veranda and Orchard should all be considered.
Featuring a stylised Christmas Rose, Daybreak was designed by Claire Bernard and launched in 1983 on the new Sherwood shape series. Daybreak was immensely popular for many years eventually being discontinued 17 years later in 2000. There are three contemporary patterns which can complement Daybreak and we recommend Linen, Veranda and Orchard should all be considered.
Vintage pattern: Metz
TRY: GREENWICH, IMPERIAL BLUE, BLUE HAZE
Designed by Sarah Heaton 1996, Metz was rich vibrant blue highlighted by a green almost luminous rim. There were two variations of the plates one with a white inner and one green. Discontinued in 2005, we recommend Imperial Blue, Greenwich or Blue Haze as possible companions for strong tones of Metz.
Designed by Sarah Heaton 1996, Metz was rich vibrant blue highlighted by a green almost luminous rim. There were two variations of the plates one with a white inner and one green. Discontinued in 2005, we recommend Imperial Blue, Greenwich or Blue Haze as possible companions for strong tones of Metz.
Your stories.
With so many vintage Denby ranges still being used and loved, we never tire of reading your wonderful stories of moments shared around a table set with Denby collections, of special items passed down through generations, of fun times enjoyed with Denby pieces.
Linda's story
"I started collecting your Greystone Denby at 18, visits to your factory etc. A real bottom drawer collection. At 22 I bought my own house and started to use it with great pride, I am now 52 it has been used every day by me and my young family I love it just as much now as I did then."
Louise's story
"I received quite a few pieces of Greenwich as wedding gifts back in '98. I'd specially requested them because I love the colour so much. Use my mugs every day and my teapot is a cherished possession. I've also inherited a lovely purple jug, a brown coffee pot, and several items from the Greenwheat collection from my Mum."
Chrissie's story
"Love my Imperial Blue, first bought for me over 20 years ago by my mum, been collecting ever since. My young daughter has her own set and loves it. She’s only 10 so starting her collecting early."
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Nicola's story
"I was 15 when I first spotted and fell in love with Denby in a local Debenhams store, bought a house at 20 and since then all of my plates/mugs/wine glasses/placemats have always been Denby. Often getting a mug for my birthday! I love the quality, how long it lasts and the earthy look to it."
Denise's story
"Still have pieces of Country Cuisine which was bought as wedding present 38 years ago. Love Greenwich. Bought 2 dinner sets plus other additions. Nothing beats Denby." mugs every day and my teapot is a cherished possession. I've also inherited a lovely purple jug, a brown coffee pot, and several items from the Greenwheat collection from my Mum."
Melanie's story
"I have Greenwich… love it… starting buying it as soon as it was launched and I didn’t even have my own house…. Now have just about everything and it’s used every day!"
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