Sellex picnic ware

Sellex picnic ware
made in Australia, 1940s

The strong colours of these bakelite pieces are quite mesmerising. I don’t think the plates and bowls have ever been used, as they are pristine, with no scratches and no diminishing of those superb colours. I have mentioned before that yellow bakelite is particularly prone to deterioration and ‘mudding’ of its colour, so this set is in particularly good condition. Ironically for picnic ware- I would suggest it’s never seen the light of day!

We can date the plates and bowls to Australia in the 40s due to the ‘rounded-square’ shape, and the edge fluting. And the plates’ markings, which have ‘Sellex Reg.’ in cast lettering on the underside.

This would make a great starter set for the bakelite collector or enthusiast.  Merry Christmas! For sale: $AUD80

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Bakelite canisters

Sellex nested bakelite canisters, made in Australia c. 1940s
Kanga and Roo salt & pepper shakers, made in Japan c.1960s

These Sellex bakelite canisters ‘Rice’ and ‘Coffee’ have been separated from their larger red-lidded set [flour, tea and sugar…] but Kanga and Roo are in their entirety; Roo being the pepper, and Kanga – the salt.

I’m sure someone out there has the rest of the Sellex set – or at least wants to add to canisters already collected. The ceramic kanga and roo S& P shaker set is adorable and in perfect condition. Make someone’s Christmas wishes come true!

For sale: $AUD85

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Blue Moon

Poole Blue Moon tea cups
made in England 1960-1975

Following on from my last post, here is another set of mid-century Poole teacups.

Poole is a celebrated pottery operating from Dorset, England from 1873 – and continuing until today. I am particularly fond of the pottery produced between the 1930s and 1960s.

These tea cups – very modern in shape and sans handle – are part of the Cameo range. The colour is ‘Blue Moon’ –a deep blue exterior, with a slightly off-white interior [pure white would be too stark…this off-white is just right.] The set of eight tea cups and saucers have the traditional mid-century Poole mark on each piece.

The cups don’t hold much tea – perhaps they were for a Japanese tea ceremony- which would certainly align with the blue moon theme. Either way, the set of eight cups and saucers are delicious.

This set is for sale: $AUD145

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Retro banana vase & jug

Banana vase, made in Australia c.1960
Banana jug, made in Australia c.1960

I love the kitsch qualities of these pieces that celebrate all things banana. Get yourself some fake fruit – and voila! A wonderful yellow ensemble. Start your banana-themed collection today!

This set is for sale: $AUD25 [fake fruit not included…but available, fortunately, everywhere!]

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Pates vases- pink & green speckled

Pates vases
made in Sydney, Australia c.1940s-1950s

I have posted about Pates pottery previously [sorry, couldn’t help the alliteration] – but not, I think, the pink and green speckled Pates pottery.

Pates Pottery operated out of Belmore, Sydney from 1946 -1990, quite close to where I now live. Pates’ designs and colours were influenced by the 1950s furnishing and domestic colour trends; so these three vases are instantly recognisable as coming from the 50s.

The set comprises a ring ‘floating’ flower vase- with deco stylings, an upright vase with exaggerated lip and a floating flower ‘log’ vase. I don’t really understand the ‘log’ vase- but it is so associated with the 50s and was so ubiquitous that I have come to embrace its slightly kitschy realism.

This set is for sale:  $AUD85

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