It doesn't take long

Near enough 8 weeks since I was last in China .. Robbie has been in Hawaii about 6 of those weeks, I've been in Boston for 2 and France for 1.

So what doesn't take long? .. regression to a level of comfort .. in this case drinking "Darjeeling tea with milk" My friend Robin has stopped by a few times (helping on "secret project) and I've been up to his place .. hence the "Need" to drink "Red Tea"

Digging out our; Denby Stoneware, purchased on a trip back home (Scotland) a few more years ago than I care to remember. I cleared off the tea tray and set up for "Mugs" of Tea with milk .. not quite Kung Fu, but it works. (pictures later ..)

I like this Denby ware set, the teapot is a little on the heavy side (exacerbated when one is used to YiXing pots) but that said the set is fun to use and the pot supports filling a couple of "Mugs" (pun intended)

Only down side, we also purchased a set of Denby table cutlery. Great esthetics - ergonomics, BUT a major design flaw , that shortened the life of this line .. the stoneware handles would: loosen from the steel and or crack.

http://www.denby.ws/whydenby.htm

The History of Denby (lots of info on the WEB)
Denby's history begins in 1806, when a seam of clay was found at Denby during the construction of a road to link the industrial towns of Derbyshire. William Bourne, a local entrepreneur, examined the clay and recognized its exceptional qualities. Production of salt-glazed pottery was started at Denby in 1809 and William gave the onerous task of running the business to his youngest son, Joseph. Known as 'Joseph Bourne' the pottery prospered and soon built up an international reputation for its quality bottles and jars. These bottles held anything from ink, polish and medicines to preserves and even ginger beer.

Salt glazing was a popular method of decorating stoneware at this time. Common salt was thrown onto the kiln fires when the embers were at their hottest. The salt vapour combined with the surface of the pot to produce a shiny brown surface coating.

Times were changing and in the late 1800's glass bottles became less expensive and replaced ceramic containers. Denby Pottery diversified by extending its kitchenware range and developed richly colored glazes which were to become Denby's trade mark.

By the 1920's Denby's functional kitchenware (from pie dishes, jelly molds and colanders to 'hot water bottles') could be found in many homes along with decorative vases, bowls and tobacco jars which were all stamped 'Danesby Ware'. This was the generic name given by Denby Pottery to all its decorative and giftware ranges.

In the 1930's 'Electric Blue' (shiny blue) and 'Orient ware' (matte blue/brown) became classic giftware ranges and today are popular with collectors. Kitchenware became more colorful with Cottage Blue, Manor Green and Homestead Brown - all of which remained popular until the early 1980's.

Radical steps to change Denby's product range were taken in the 1950's when the pottery became predominantly a producer of tableware (ranges now included cups, saucers and plates). Denby continued to employ the best designers to ensure the transition was successful and this expertise produced such best sellers as Greenwheat (1956), Echo and Ode (1950's), Studio (1961) and Arabesque (Samarkand in the USA - 1964).

The 1970's brought a revolution in 'oven-to-tableware' - Denby's striking designs and practicality alleviated the need for separate cooking dishes and more decorative plates for serving. Denby could withstand oven temperatures and Gypsy (1971), Troubadour (1971), Cotswold (1973) and Romany (1970's) all graced the 1970's table with flair.

By the 1980's 'casual dining' became more popular and ranges such as Imperial Blue and Regency Green were able to fit into both formal entertaining and family gatherings.