British 1950s Picquot Ware tea wares

Picquot Ware, table ware made of a magnesium-aluminium alloy was invented by John D. Souter, an engineer and designer, who was employed by Burrage & Boyd in Northampton, England.

The company had been founded in 1932 by two engineers, Harold Burrage and Leslie Boyd, and initially made vacuum cleaners. John D. Souter, an engineer and designer, joined Burrage & Boyd in 1938 and designed the K3 kettle, which was the first piece of Picquot Ware. The magnesium-aluminium alloy called magnalium, gave it a silver-like appearance. Picquot Ware went into production in 1947, and the initial range included a teapot, coffee pot, jug, and sugar bowl. The pieces were popular with consumers, and the company soon expands its range to include other items, such as plates, bowls, and trays.

Leading British pottery company Wedgwood saw Picquot Ware as a way to expand into the mid-century modern market more... and acquired the Picquot Ware brand in 1962. Wedgwood continued to produce Picquot Ware, but it made some changes to the design and materials. The new Picquot Ware is made of earthenware, rather than magnalium, and has a more traditional appearance.

In 1980 Wedgwood discontinued Picquot Ware due to declining sales. The company cited competition from cheaper, imported tableware as a factor in the decision.

Picquot Ware remains popular with collectors. Original Picquot Ware pieces made by Burrage & Boyd are more valuable than Wedgwood Picquot Ware pieces. less...