Old Cottage Chintz by Royal Winton
Crinoline by Heisey
Old English by Towle

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Royal Winton is world-renowned for chintz china, and Old Cottage Chintz, produced from 1932 to 1960, is one of the most exquisite examples of the company’s work. Rimmed, round china, Old Cottage bursts with pink, blue, and yellow blossoms and green leaves against a white background, with the edge of the rim trimmed in gold. The word “chintz” derives from the Sanskrit, “chitra,” for “many colored.” Chintz calico was imported from India into Europe at the beginning of the seventeenth century. But not until three centuries later would the English popularize the decoration on dinnerware. Royal Winton developed a specialized transfer printing process to apply these bold, elaborate designs to china so that they could be produced affordably. Founded in 1885, Royal Winton released its first chintz design in 1928 which was an immediate success.  Old Cottage Chintz is a great example of the proud Royal Winton tradition.

Produced from 1939 to 1950, Crinoline by Heisey features ornate floral garlands etched on a squarish bowl with a flared top, a round foot, and an attached ribbed stem with delicate embossed elements. A. H. Heisey and Company was founded in 1896 in Newark, OH. By the late 1890s, Heisey’s colonial patterns featuring flute, scallop, and panel design elements were quite popular. Heisey began producing brightly colored glassware in the 1920s and 1930s in hues of emerald, ivorina verde (custard), opal, and canary, among others. After the Prohibition Act was repealed in 1930, Heisey released an extensive line of barware, which helped the company survive the economic turmoil of the Great Depression. The company’s sales remained high throughout World War II, and in 1940 the company released its most successful pattern, Orchid. It was around this time that Heisey began producing a line of popular glass figurines in addition to barware and stemware patterns. When elegant stemware became less favored by the American public in the years following World War II, Heisey struggled, and was eventually forced to close their factory in 1957. In 1958, Heisey sold all of its assets to the Imperial Glass Company of Bellaire, OH. After Imperial Glass filed for bankruptcy in 1984, Heisey’s original molds were acquired by the Heisey Collectors of America. With its delicate design and masterful craftsmanship, Crionline by Heisey is an iconic pattern in crystal tableware.

Old English by Towle Silver was produced for over a century, from 1892 to 1996. Old English is an exquisite sterling pattern with a charming floral motif, a scalloped tip featuring a blooming flower, a floral and scroll edge design, and a glossy finish. The understated look of the Old English design works well with the more intricate Old Cottage Chintz and Crinoline designs by Royal Winton and Heisey. The history of Towle Silver is rooted in the Moulton family of England. Starting with William Moulton II, a tradition of craftsmanship and artistry would be built by six generations of Moultons, including William Moulton IV, who would apprentice a young Anthony F. Towle. After years of diligent study, Anthony decided to start his own business upon the retirement of William IV. Using the knowledge he had acquired working with the Moulton family, Anthony Towle and partner William P. Jones would buy the Moulton family stock to form Towle & Jones, Co. in 1857. The company found firm footing and a warm reception in the silver industry and market at large. Production of the first Towle hollowware lines (tea sets and other pieces) began in 1890, and Towle gained recognition for fine craftsmanship in the many years that followed. Patterns like Candlelight, produced since 1934, and Old Master, produced since 1942, have consistently drawn hordes of dedicated followers. Today, Towle embodies all of the original principles set forth by the Moulton family, and used so wisely by Anthony Towle. The Towle Silver legacy of great craftsmanship, beautiful design, and quality will ensure its continued success in the silver tableware market.

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