Warp & Reason: Spotlight on the Superstripe Collection

October 30, 2019

Back in 2013, Richard joined forces with world leading pattern innovators, PATTERNITY to help realise his dream of rejuvenating and repositioning the British bone china industry.

PATTERNITY is an award-winning creative organisation that specialises in the exploration and application of pattern. Founded by art director Anna Murray and surface/textiles designer Grace Winteringham with a united drive to push pattern awareness and innovation. Their unique research archive, design studio and events go beyond the surface, using pattern as a vehicle to engage, educate and inspire.

The collaboration draws inspiration from over two centuries of British tea drinking history. Bringing together Richard’s expertise in ceramic design and heritage with PATTERNITY’S award winning pattern exploration and innovation to create a collection that warps perceptions of what bone china can look like.

Heritage and innovation are both honoured. The design on the inside of the cup and on the handles pays tribute to the brilliant embellishment that we see in 16th century chinaware. Yet, when combined with the metallic cups, the bold striped pattern in cold cobalt blue evokes the clarity of thought that exploded in Britain in the mid-17th Century, as caffeinated tea and coffee brought about the Age of Reason, propelling Britain out of a warped alcoholic haze. Lines, overlapping to the centre, represent this layering of new and radical ideas.

During Richard's most recent visit to New York, we were delighted to gift Mr Lauder from Esteé Lauder our Superstripe set as part of a series of Walpole events.