Royal Albert - Lady Carlyle and 100 Years Collection

Lady Carlyle was introduced in 1944.  It is a classic example of the romantic floral tradition of Royal Albert.  The intricate pattern features a deep pink border complemented by a highly stylized floral design integrating a large pink rose, bluebells and forget-me-nots.  Elaborate gold scrolls recall the curvaceous and extravagant rocco styles of the 18th century.

 

In the early 2000's Royal Albert decided to discontinue the pattern, but because of customer complaints it was reinstated.

 

Lady Carlyle pieces in my collection.

 

 

Royal Albert 100 Years ~ A One-of-a-Kind Collection

 

The 100 years of Royal Albert Collection includes 10 distinctive patterns that pay tribute to the Royal Albert brand's vitality, longevity, and rich design history.  Through classic shapes and delicate floral designs, the collection is inspired by previous Royal Albert patterns and designs taken from the Royal Albert Archive Pattern Books.  The result is an eclectic, inspired and truly unique collection that captures the true historical design statements and trends from the ten decades of the 20th century.

 

I was blessed to receive these ten teacups as a Christmas gift.  They came packaged in a large commemorative hat-shaped box, five in a box.

 

1900's Regency Blue

1901 signaled the end of Victorian times and the start of the Edwardian era.  After a reign of almost 64 years, Queen Victoria was succeeded by Edward VII. The Regency period ran around the turn of the century and Regency Blue is reminiscent of the typical designs of the day, with rich cobalt blue and deep maroons, highlighted with gold accents.

 

 

1910's Duchess

George V came to the throne in 1910 after the death of King Edward VII.  Later in the decade Britain, along with many other countries endured the first World War.  The Duchess pattern is inspired by the designs from this period, and has echoes of the regency style, with a solid black color, but now with Royal Albert's signature roses.

 

 

1920's Spring Meadow

The 1920's saw a more decadent era after the end of the 1st World War.  Everyone was very excited by the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb and the many treasures buried within.  Spring Meadow reflects the emergence of a more positive era with beautiful spring flowers placed on a cream background.

 

 

1930's Polka Rose

In 1935 Edward VIII abdicated, bringing George VI to the throne together with his young bride, Queen Elizabeth, who became one of the best known and loved royals.  Ground colors with polka dots were extremely popular in the 1930's and Polka Rose features this Art Deco style on a fresh Apple Green background with the addition of a single rose in the center of the saucer.

 

 

1940's English Chintz

In the 1940's Britain endured a 2nd World War, with many historic battles and events.  It is Winston Churchill who is best remembered for bringing the 2nd World War to a close.  English Chintz is a pretty floral pattern typical of the chintz styles of the decade, with delicate roses and forget-me-nots against a crackle background.

 

 

English Chintz is my favorite of the ten patterns.  Perhaps because it's my birth decade, but also because I love chintz.   I got the teapot, sugar and creamer 100 years commemorative set as well.   I'm currently awaiting the arrival of the dessert plate.  Aside from a chintz teacup I got in Stratford, England during my 2001 visit, these are the only chintz pieces I own [so far!]. ;-)

 

 

1950's Festival

Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne in 1952 at the tender age of just 25.  Her coronation was seen the world over thanks to the wonder of television.  The post-war era saw bolder florals signifying a re-birth, with many designs using typically English flowers.  Festival features pretty harebells, with the blue of the flowers in the background and borders.

 

 

1960's Golden Roses

The 1960's saw many changes in fashion and music and Beatlemania spread from Britain across the world.  The end of the decade saw the first man land on the moon.  In 1962 the world famous pattern, Old Country Roses was introduced.  As with many popular designs, the pattern itself was used in many different guises.  Golden Roses uses the rose design decorated in gold onto a pink background.

 

 

1970's Poppy

The 1970's were an era of space and high speed travel.  The end of the decade saw Britain elect its first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.  The 1970's were an era of flower power and poppies were never more popular.  Poppy is decorated in coral, orange and yellow colors, bright colors reflecting the period.

 

 

1980's Holyrood

In 1981, Prince Charles, the seemingly eternal bachelor, married Lady Diana Spencer and the world tuned in to watch his fairytale wedding.  The 1980's were an era of wealth and power dressing and the popular patterns of the time were formal borders in rich colors.  Holyrood features a majestic burgundy and gold border, reflective of the formal dining of the era.

 

 

1990's Hartington Lane

The 1990's became the technological era, with the Internet, first invented by Briton Sir Tim Bernes-Lee, emerging as one of the most significant technological inventions.  Hartington Lane combines two designs of the decade, Lilac Lane and Hartington.  Beautiful lilac florals on a soft lilac background, which was so popular during the 1990's create a stunning final effect.

 

 

Thank you, Royal Albert for 100 plus years of beautiful china!