Tea parties at WMODA are elegant affairs with dainty sandwiches, scones and desserts served on Royal Albert tableware. Royal Albert was founded in Stoke-on-Trent in 1896 and is renowned internationally for producing fine bone china tea-wares with floral decoration inspired by English country gardens.
The Albert china factory was named after Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s consort, and in 1897 the company received the royal warrant for creating commemorative china for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Over the years, Royal Albert’s beautiful floral tea patterns ranged from Victorian chintz to Art Deco designs for the jazz age. Their Old Country Roses pattern is the world’s best-selling china, with more than 130 million pieces sold, and has been made by Royal Albert for 55 years.
Inspired by the rich heritage of the archives, new floral designs have been created with vintage appeal for today’s market. Most recently, the new Friendship collection, in partnership with supermodel Miranda Kerr, has brought catwalk glamor to the collection. Since 1972, Royal Albert has been part of the Royal Doulton group, famous for their china figurine collection. Many collectors seek out the teatime figurines, such as Four o’ Clock and Afternoon Tea which can be seen in our Art of Tea exhibition. Afternoon tea is a favorite pastime for Michael Doulton, our guest of honor at WMODA on November 9th. Join us for a truly “royal” experience to rival Downton Abbey!