Stoke on Trent

Every American lady that lives here in England gets a little bit giddy when the name, Stoke-on-Trent, is mentioned. Visions of Wedgwood, Spode, and Burleigh bone china go dancing through their heads. And in January, the desire to trek to Stoke becomes almost feverish for one reason...it's half-price month.

England is known for it's blue and white print bone china. In fact, you'll see a little of it on display in every Jane Austen movie you see. In days past, it was a luxury for the aristocracy and upper class who could afford the exorbitant prices. Even today, the names Burleigh and Wedgwood excite images of fine dining and luxurious weddings.

However, at Stoke on Trent, a charming town lined with bottle shaped kilns, there are factory stores. You can still purchase the imaculate china (known as "best" china) at the individual factories for considerably less than you could get it elsewhere. But, what brings the flocks of women to Stoke in January are the factory stores, offering steep discounts on "seconds" (china that has small flaws, some unnoticeable). "Seconds" by nature are cheaper than "bests" and when at an additional 50% off...it's the most affordable way to own a piece of English history.

Our expedition was decided last minute. By the time Kevin and I would have returned from Germany, too many tours would have visited Stoke and the selection would have been minimal. This was one of the only souvenirs I wanted from England and so, I was determined to go. We decided that I would put together a group of ladies and travel to Stoke, the day after the sales began on January 17th (which happened to be the day before we left for Germany). We left at 6am (got up at 5am), threw on clothing and put our hair in ponytails and headed off in a van to Stoke (2 1/2 hours away). We shopped from the time the stores opened at 9am and ended near 5pm.

I was a particular fan of Burleigh china. I bought an assortment of different blue prints. There were so many to choose from, both I and the other ladies kept choosing pieces and putting them back, choosing more and putting them back...trying to get the right mix, and not kill our husbands with the bill at the end of the day. I am not normally a shopper, but I had so much fun looking at all of the china that was offered. I can honestly say...I shopped until I dropped!

From Burleigh, we travelled to Spode, Portmeirion, Royal Doulton, Wedgwood, and Aynsley factories. I spent the most at Burleigh, but went a little hog wild with the white china at Portmeirion. Boxes and boxes of wrapped china made their way home with me at the end of the day.

Some interesting tid-bits about Burleigh is that they still make china the way that have since our country was established. They spin the pots and plates out on a wheel, cure them in a kiln, and then transfer a print onto the china from fabric. All of the prints on the china were transfered from a fabric. You can actually see on some of the china where the fabric crinkles or overlaps (that's what makes them "seconds"...the print isn't perfect). It is a practice that has been used for centuries, and it makes the china look lovely. I bought a cake plate that has a 1930's flower print. The ink didn't come off of the fabric easily, and it left the cake plate looking weathered and very old. I absolutely love it.

Another fun thing was that the guard showed us the offices while we were waiting in line for the loo. They still use the desks from the time the factory opened. They have computers in there now and fax machines, and other pieces of modern office equipment, but the furniture hasn't changed. They have the same file cabinets, desks, and fixtures. They've changed the lighting to electricity, but the same lamp shades are still there. It was like stepping back in time. Everything was so beautiful.

After it was all said and done, it was one of the most fun ladies trips I've ever taken. I went with Cheria Sadler (who goes to church with me) and her friend, Reagan. We laughed and talked, and egged eachother on with our purchases. It was a fun break, and one I'm glad I took.