5 Heritage Tableware Brands to Have in Your Collection

Josiah Wedgwood’s brainchild has been going strong for more than 260 years, with its fine English ceramics now prized finds in antique markets. The founder famously invented Jasperware in 1774 – a revolutionary stoneware, known for its matte finish and pale blue hue, discovered after thousands of experiments.   

Today, that legacy lives on in the new Helia and Phoenix designs, both rendered on fine bone china in a shade of blue that nods to those early Jasper trials. Taking the mythical bird motif from Florentine – one of Wedgwood’s earliest classical patterns – the Phoenix pattern is a fitting symbol for a brand that continued to reinvent itself. With raised detailing and hand-painted layers of 22-karat solid gold, both collections are a showcase of the skill of the Barlaston factory’s master craftspeople – and are certainly worth investing in. 

A brand that believes in doing things the old-fashioned way – by hand – is always a clear signifier of exceptionally crafted tableware, and Royal Copenhagen does just that. Its delicate floral Blue Fluted pattern, introduced in the company’s first year of operation in 1775, is hand-painted by individual artists to this day. With this dedication to craftsmanship, it’s no surprise the brand continues to command exceptional prices at auctions.

Royal Copenhagen’s popularity dates back, and as the name suggests, the brand’s porcelain crockery can be found in many royal houses across Europe. After all, a banquet isn’t complete without a matching dinnerware set. Each piece is marked on its underside with either three waves or the royal stamp and the painter’s signature, a sign of its authenticity and quality.  

There’s a fine science to creating Baccarat crystal. In the mid-19th century, the brand discovered that adding nickel oxide in the manufacturing process created perfectly clear glass that was free of discolouration. To this day, the term ‘crystal’ can only be applied to glass that contains at least 24 per cent lead oxide.


Like Baccarat itself, the esteemed Harcourt design is steeped in history. First created in 1841 as a ceremonial chalice for the king of France – an era of fortified castles, swordplay and shining armour – the piece was made to embody strength. Its distinctive hexagonal base, weighty feel and light-reflecting facets give it a noble presence, securing its place in the upper echelons of design. Discover the flute iteration at Baccarat Bar on the Lower Ground Floor, filled with a refreshing Herb Fizz: pisco, dill, grapefruit and soda.