1960s Wedgwood Bone China Tea Set - Set of 11

Details

Description

A Mid-Century Treasure with Anglo-American Provenance
This magnificent Wedgwood "Whitehall Pattern" tea service represents the pinnacle of 1950s English elegance, … Read more A Mid-Century Treasure with Anglo-American Provenance
This magnificent Wedgwood "Whitehall Pattern" tea service represents the pinnacle of 1950s English elegance, acquired by an American diplomat during their extensive residence in Great Britain. This complete tea set exemplifies everything that has made Wedgwood synonymous with refined taste for over 260 years - impeccable craftsmanship, timeless design, and the kind of quality that defines true heirloom pieces.
The Complete Tea Service
Tea Service for Four

Four elegant bone china cups (4.5" x 4") and matching saucers (6")
Perfectly proportioned for afternoon tea or intimate gatherings

Serving Plates

10" square cake plate - a bold Mid-Century departure from traditional round forms
8" plate - ideal for sandwiches or scones
6" plate - perfect for biscuits or petit fours

Each piece crafted in Wedgwood's legendary very fine English bone china with meticulous hand gilding.
Distinguished Provenance
From the personal collection of an American diplomat stationed in Great Britain during the golden age of Anglo-American relations. This set was carefully selected and lovingly maintained, representing the cultural refinement and gracious entertaining style of diplomatic life in 1950s Britain.
The Whitehall Pattern Legacy
The Whitehall pattern holds a distinguished place in British history - it was originally commissioned for use at 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister, where it is still used today for official functions and state entertaining. This pattern embodies Wedgwood's mastery of understated elegance - pristine white bone china serving as the perfect canvas for hand-applied gilding. Named for the seat of British government, Whitehall represents authority, tradition, and timeless sophistication. The hand-gilded accents catch light beautifully, transforming each piece into a luminous work of art that elevates every occasion from everyday elegance to special celebration.
Mid-Century Innovation Meets Classical Tradition
Design Innovation - The striking square cake plate reflects the 1950s embrace of geometric forms while maintaining the classical elegance for which Wedgwood is renowned. This marriage of contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship defines the best of Mid-Century British style.
Superior Bone China Craftsmanship - Wedgwood's proprietary bone china formula creates pieces that are simultaneously strong, translucent, and remarkably lightweight - the perfect balance of durability and delicacy. True bone china contains actual calcined bone, giving it superior strength and a distinctive warm, ivory tone.
Hand Gilded Artistry - Each gold accent is meticulously applied by hand, requiring extraordinary skill and precision. This level of craftsmanship is increasingly rare in modern production.
Condition: Pristine Perfection
Sound as the Pound - All pieces are in perfect condition, a testament to both Wedgwood's superior craftsmanship and decades of careful stewardship. This level of preservation is remarkable for pieces approaching their 70th birthday. No chips, cracks, crazing, or wear to the gilding.
Why This Set Is Exceptional

Complete diplomatic provenance - A piece of Anglo-American history
Investment-quality condition - Perfect preservation after nearly 70 years
Complete entertaining set - Ready for immediate use or display
Hand-gilded throughout - Labor-intensive artistry rarely seen today
Mid-Century collector's piece - The square cake plate exemplifies era design innovation
Wedgwood legacy - From England's most celebrated pottery house
Versatile elegance - Transitions seamlessly from intimate tea to formal entertaining

The Art of Gracious Tea
This isn't merely tableware - it's an invitation to embrace the lost art of proper afternoon tea. Whether serving finger sandwiches and scones, celebrating with cake, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with fine bone china, this set transforms ordinary occasions into memories worthy of cherishing. The same pattern that graces the tables at 10 Downing Street can now grace yours.
Perfect for collectors who appreciate the intersection of traditional British craftsmanship and Mid-Century design innovation. For hosts who believe tea time deserves beautiful presentation. For those who understand that true luxury lies in quality that endures across generations - and in owning the same pattern used at the heart of British government.
Specifications
Era: 1950s Mid-Century
Maker: Wedgwood, England
Pattern: Whitehall (Wedgwood Classic)
Material: Very Fine English Bone China
Finish: Hand Gilded
Color: Pristine White with Gold Accents
Condition: Perfect - Sound as the Pound
Includes:

4 Bone China Cups (4.5" x 4")
4 Bone China Saucers (6")
1 Square Cake Plate (10")
1 Plate (8")
1 Plate (6")


This complete tea service represents everything wonderful about Mid-Century diplomatic tea time - quality built to last, beauty that endures, and the belief that afternoon tea deserves the finest presentation.
Ready to bring 1950s diplomatic elegance to your table - the same pattern that serves Prime Ministers at 10 Downing Street. See less