Denby Arabesque Coffee Cup

Gill Pemberton designed Arabesque tableware and most of the publicity material associated with the range in 1963. The intention had been to call the range Samarkland but when the Portmeirion Pottery exhibited a range under that name, an alternative had to be found.

Originally a small range of giftware, the range extended and the stylish jugs and cups of Arabesque featured the same ergonomically correct handles as those of the ‘Chevron’ pattern. A visit to Russia had inspired the exotic red and gold hand-painted decoration which she evolved and was later executed by her decorator. ‘Trish’ Seal.

Initially the pattern was hand-painted directly onto the raw, unfired brown glaze but this was a difficult technique to perfect and for a short time Arabesque was produced using a decal or transfer print.

Dark, bold and majestic, yet warm with welcoming browns, the red centre of each flower ‘lifted’ and highlighted the pattern adding a richness of quality and interest to the table.