The four 'Johnson Brothers' were Alfred, Frederick, Henry and Robert. They were grandsons of the famous Meakin lineage. Alfred and Frederick began production at the Charles Street works, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent in 1883. Henry joined them in 1888, followed ten years later by Robert. By 1898, they had five different factories producing tableware. In 1968 Johnson Brothers joined the Wedgwood Group. Production ceased at the Charles Street works in 2003.
Although this pattern has no name that I can find, the 'B' under the backstamp indicates it to have been manufactured under the Wartime Concentration Scheme, whereby severe restrictions were placed on the production of decorated pottery during the war years, in order to save materials, energy and labour.
This plate was manufactured sometime between 1941 and 1952.
As with all Goosehouse Designs jewellery, this unique jewellery is individually handcrafted by me in my studio. My upcycled, sustainable, broken china jewellery is crafted from ethically-sourced, pre-damaged, vintage china, that would otherwise end up in landfill. It is the perfect romantic gift for wedding anniversaries, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and any time you want to show your love through a treasured piece of artisan jewellery.
It was in this spirit that I created memory jewellery from my grandmother’s Royal Winton broken china for every woman and girl in my own family, thus creating heirlooms that will forever continue to connect generations of women.
Your Goosehouse Designs jewellery will be sent to you carefully wrapped and packaged using recycled and recyclable materials. I am committed, at all times, to operating my business in every way I can to be kinder and gentler to the planet.
The silver in these earrings is sterling silver, and is stamped with the .925 stamp.
The hooks are sterling silver.
The oval earrings measure 24mm x 20mm x 5mm deep.
Johnson Bros Old English, border flowers, vintage china oval earrings
The vintage china I use in my jewellery pieces is all recycled from pieces found at garage sales and op. shops, or through vintage dealers, who are happy to pass on some of their less-than-perfect items. I carefully cut out the selected section of china, shape it by hand, then grind the edges nice and smooth. I securely fix the piece into the sterling silver blank, then grout it so it stays firmly in place.
As with all artisan jewellery, some care needs to be taken to keep your piece in as-new condition.
The vintage china in your piece may well be up to a hundred years old, and needs to be treated accordingly. It is not recommended that you swim or shower whilst wearing your jewellery, nor that you wear it gardening or playing sport or any other activity where the item may get badly knocked. China is breakable, after all.
The sterling silver ring and earring hooks are easily adjustable, but care must be taken not to bend them too quickly or too sharply. As with all metals, if they are worked roughly they may break.
The sterling silver bezel will enjoy a regular simple polish with a quality silvercloth. If you do use silver polish, do not get it on the china or the grout. Do not use strong chemicals on your jewellery.