Thomas Forester started the business in 1877 at a small works in High Street, Longton and soon took additional premises to expand in Church Street. Later he demolished the factory at Church Street and built the Phoenix Works, completed in 1879. In 1883 his sons Victor and Herbert became his partners and the company became a Ltd. in 1891. The business closed permanently in 1959.
Collectors generally refer to the fine porcelain items manufactured under the trade name “Phoenix China” as Phoenix or Forester Ware. The Phoenix China back stamp was utilised from 1912 and from 1925 had “Made in England” added underneath instead of the customary “England” which each of the three items in this trio display.
This exquisite fine porcelain tea trio was manufactured between 1912 and 1925 under the Phoenix China trade name with each item decorated in the official 5136 pattern. The pattern displays a beautiful Imari-style rust red floral motif along pastel green leaf vines and cobalt blue accents. The patterning is all highlighted in gold.
Each item is stamped underneath Phoenix China TF & S Ltd. England 5136.
Slight age related fading has occurred on some of the gold trim, aside from which the trio is in very good condition..
Tea cup height of rim: 6.5 cm, Diameter of base: 4.4 cm, Diameter of rim: 8.4 cm Saucer height of rim: 2.4 cm, Diameter of base: 6.4 cm, Diameter of rim: 14 cm Tea plate height of rim: 1.6 cm, Diameter of base: 10.2 cm, Diameter of rim: 17.6 cm
