Found at market in the north of England, this lovely, rare set was designed by the renowned British designer Clarice Cliff and produced in 1953 for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Designed with Clarice Cliff's singular vision, this dramatic trio includes a striking tea cup, saucer and a dessert or tea sandwich plate. All of the pieces were produced in in creamy white earthenware and trimmed with an eye-catching, hand-painted ribbed border in regal crimson and gleaming gold. The cup and plate are further decorated with a lovely image of the noble young queen set within a Royal Coat of Arms crest and trimmed in gleaming gold. The splendid cup's saucer is accented by The Queen's Royal Cypher. 

While Clarice Cliff is a notable artist and ceramicist, her storied career as designer (and later owner) of A.J. Wilkinson earthenware and ironstone company produced all manner of beautifully-crafted treasures. Early skill and talent in art led to study and apprentice opportunities for Cliff, who first joined the A.J. Wilkinson firm in 1916 at the young age of 17. Cliff chose not to follow the traditional path of specialized apprentices, instead rotating within the studio to acquire skill in modeling figurines and vases, gilding, keeping pattern books, and hand-painting functions including outlining, enameling and banding. She continued to develop her creativity through study at the Royal College of Art in London and later in Paris, honing what would become a signature style.

This unforgettable Vintage Coronation Trio features stamps reflecting production in Burnslem, England by the esteemed Newport Pottery Co, a specialized Cliff studio adjoining the larger Wilkinson factory that also produced her wares. As beautiful today as the day it was fired more than 70 years ago, this grand memento from one of the 20th century's most celebrated events is sure to be a stunning addition for both Clarice Cliff and royal memorabilia collectors.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In good vintage condition. Tea Cup measures 2.75"H x 4.25"W. Saucer measures 5.75" in diameter. Plate measures 6.5" in diameter.

Learn More About Queen Elizabeth's Coronation

With bittersweet poignancy, 2024 marks the second anniversary of The Queen's passing. Through an unprecedented 70 years of service to her people, Queen Elizabeth II promises to remain distinguished for generations as the longest reigning monarch in British history. A true monarch for the ages, as well as a cultural icon, her spirit and legacy continue to inspire. 

Born the first child of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Albert, or as the world came to know him, King George VI, Princess Elizabeth became an unlikely heir apparent upon the ascension to the throne of her father in 1937, the second son of King George V and Queen Mary. 

As his health declined in 1951, Elizabeth started to assume the presence of her father King George VI at various public events. In October of that year, Elizabeth toured Canada and the United States, carrying with her a draft accession declaration in the event of the King’s passing. In early 1952, Elizabeth and her husband Philip set out to tour Australia, New Zealand and Kenya. On February 6 1952, Elizabeth had returned to her Kenyan home when she had heard the news - King George VI had passed and she was in line to serve as Queen. Ruling under the regal name, Queen Elizabeth II, she and her husband, who had become the Duke of Edinburgh, reigned over all of the United Kingdom, taking residence in Buckingham Palace.

Although the newly ascended monarch was officially proclaimed Queen Elizabeth II, her coronation ceremony was held more than a year after her accession. True to tradition, celebrations such as a coronation were not considered appropriate during a time of mourning - both King George VI and her grandmother, Queen Mary, had passed within the months leading to her coronation. As stated in her will, Queen Mary was firm in her statement regarding the planning and coronation of Elizabeth II, stating her death should not interfere with the planning of the ceremony. It was on June 2, 1953 when Elizabeth received her coronation ceremony in the promise to uphold the laws of her nations and govern the Church of England.

Adorned with the Imperial State Crown and holding a scepter with the cross and orb, Elizabeth had officially become Queen of the United Kingdom. As she made her way out of the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey, the crowd proudly sang “God Save the Queen”.

Learn More about Coronation Memorabilia

As a means to commemorate historic events - including coronations; silver, golden and diamond jubilees; royal weddings and royal visits to distant lands - artisans and craftspeople were commissioned to create beautiful pieces of memorabilia. Highly collectable, they are much more than mementos of an event long past. They are lovely pieces created to capture the spirit of their time as much as they capture our imaginations today.