Circa 1910

This tea service, comprising cups, saucers, and plates, belongs to Grimwades’ celebrated “Brownies Ware,” collection, inspired by the illustrations of Canadian artist Palmer Cox. These whimsical beings, mischievous yet well-meaning sprites, first appeared in a series of publications called “The Brownies” in the 1880s, drawing upon English and Scottish folklore narrated to Cox in his childhood. 

The service depicts the Brownies in pursuit of harmless pranks and helpful deeds, translated from Cox’s Victorian comic illustrations. The Brownies delight themselves with skating, cooking, playing tricks, and assisting in domestic tasks while households sleep, never spotted by their eyes. With the Brownies frolicking across their surfaces, these wares bring a touch of storybook magic to the tea hours.

Non-exportable

Provenance: The Estate of Mangaldas Nathubhai