BOOTH'S REAL OLD WILLOW CHINAWARE

The English China factory of Thomas R. Booth has its history that dates back to the mid 1800s and has gained a wonderful reputation amongst its competitors and continued with high quality standards into the 1970s.

BOOTH'S "REAL OLD WILLOW" JUG

BOOTH'S "REAL OLD WILLOW" PLATE

All Booth’s Real Old Willow chinaware pieces are distinguishable by having a lavish 24Kt. gold gilded lattice detail in the border of each of its pieces that pronounce the Willow Story. When we think of Booth's Real Old Willow Chinaware, the first thing that comes to mind is this unique detail of gold gilding and gold lattice work that frames the beautiful Willow Story.

Besides the unique blue used by Booth's, the earthenware medium used by Booths was referred to by this factory as a Silicon Body. The quality of transfer, quality of clay composition (silicon) and great gold detail makes this particular English version of the Willow Story stand out the most amidst all the English blue & white willow-ware ever produced. Because of the lavish use of gold, this willow transfer was an instant success in the market place. Other than having been transferred onto bone china,  porcelain and pottery by other English factories, this willow transfer on earthenware by Booths was copied by the English factory of Royal Doulton at a later date and again was produced in Occupied Japan (1945-1952) which is quite attractive but not the quality of earthenware as the English earthenware.  Of all willow patterns produced, Booth's Real Old Willow was the first to use this honey gold trim and lattice work treatment on the border of each of its creations. Booth’s Real Old Willow definitely has made a stately presence for itself in the realm of Willow Ware. Renowned for its quality of pottery… namely a silicon body, quality of lavish gilded decoration, it is cherished by some of the best collectors as some of the best willow ware ever produced in England.

Willow Ware, as a category of Blue & White Transferware, is still one of the most attainable and affordable of all Blue & White Transferwares in today’s marketplace and is a very good investment providing it is in great condition and has a good factory reputation.