A few weeks back, the Husband and I went off on a child-free trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon so I could do some research for some writing work (children and small tea rooms absolutely do not mix – think of the china! Think of the noise! Think of the spillages!), and after a slight detour to London (don’t ask, just – don’t ask) we arrived in Stratford in all it’s snowy glory.
Stratford-Upon-Avon is famous for it’s connections to William Shakespeare, but I think it should be more well known for the overwhelming amount of junk shops, charity shops and antique stores. I had my big camera with me but ended up taking more photographs on my phone, and then uploading a few to Instagram. Junk-tastic!
As much as I like a good rummage, the word ‘antique’ comes with a pretty hefty price tag, so when I found some vintage tray covers in a vintage market, I was pretty pleased. I was even more pleased that they were only 50p each. Bargain!
I haven’t decided yet what I’m going to do with them, but I’m pretty sure it’s going to involve a bit more embroidery, maybe some cross stitch and a frame or something. Either way, they’re probably going to end up on the wall!
A wander into a local Oxfam turned up the Find-of-the-Day (or possibly even year) – the worlds best coffee pot ever, in the entire history of coffee pots:
Isn’t it a beaut?! I have no idea what era it’s from, all I know is that there’s teal and florals – and it would have been criminal to leave it behind! It was a bit more than I’m used to paying for china in charity shops at £5, but I still think it was a complete bargain given how stunningly bee-yoo-tiful it is.
As usual I’m linking up with Liz and all the other fabulous Magpies over at Magpie Monday for some thrifty delights.
Oooh *adds Stratford to the list of places I must visit*Love that coffee pot. It has an air of Jessie Tait and some of her Midwinter designs about it. Does it have a backstamp at all?
It says "JG Studio, Meakin, England" and there's a couple of letters that I can't make out. I didn't realise it was a Meakin, how exciting! Just found this on eBay, oh the temptation! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RETRO-MEAKIN-STUDIO-6-PLACE-TEA-SET-MILK-JUG-2-SUGAR-BOWLS-TEA-POT-NEVER-USED-/151027669830?pt=UK_PotteryPorcelain_Glass_PotteryPorcelain_China_SM&hash=item2329f35b46
Shit a brick! It's £68 on 'Teapot World' (no less!)http://www.teapotworld.co.uk/index.asp?ref=product1_719
Oops! Sorry for swearing, I was excited for you! Check this out for some coffee pot p orn http://blog.fabulousvintage.com.au/tag/j-g-meakin/ :0)
Haha, that's fine, I'm adopting that phrase! £68, who would have thought it?! Loving that other website too!
Your pictures are beautiful – love that teapot!
Lovely pot, and what a bargain! 🙂
I have not been to Stratford-upon-Avon for aaaaaaaages! I shall have to return – looks like there is plenty to be had!