When we sat down with Lorna Reeves, editor of TeaTime Magazine, to discuss our inaugural Tea Set of the Month, the iconic Royal Albert Old Country Roses, we expected enthusiasm. What we got was a masterclass in why this particular pattern has captured hearts for generations.
A design that defied the decades
Old Country Roses (OCR) has weathered every design trend thrown at it. During the minimalist wave of the 1960s and 70s, when modernist sensibilities dominated, OCR stood firm with its unashamedly feminine curves, elaborate fluting, and luxurious gold trim. “The modern feel was too stark for many people,” Lorna explains. “OCR offered something warmer, more romantic.”
By the 1980s and 90s, the tide turned. Afternoon tea made a grand comeback, bringing with it a renewed appreciation for Victorian elegance, and Old Country Roses was perfectly positioned to shine.
Today we’re living through a golden age of nostalgia. From Downton Abbey to Bridgerton, vintage and antique pieces are more coveted than ever, and OCR fits seamlessly into this aesthetic revival.
The secret? It’s all about the roses
Roses are transcendent; they’re the queen of flowers for good reason. The pattern’s burgundy, pink, yellow, and red blooms speak a universal language: red for romance, yellow for friendship, pink for grace. “Roses are long-lasting and elegant,” Lorna notes, “and when captured in china, they truly last forever, they just need washing.”
This variety of colours gives owners abundant flexibility. You can incorporate OCR into virtually any dining display or table setting, adapting it to complement your existing décor rather than dictating it.
The art of mixing and matching
Here’s where Lorna’s expertise really shines. At TeaTime Magazine, they actively encourage readers to break free from the tyranny of matching everything perfectly. “Combine patterns as your aesthetic changes,” she advises. “You may not have space for complete sets of everything you love.”
Old Country Roses excels at playing well with others. Pair it with complementary greens, set it against plain white china, dress it up for elegant occasions, or keep it casual for everyday use. Its versatility means it adapts to your lifestyle, not the other way around.
Beyond the display cabinet
Tea sets were originally crafted for a purpose: the Victorian tradition of fellowship, when ladies gathered to share conversation and connection over a proper cup of tea. Lorna believes we’re missing opportunities for friendship when we leave these beautiful items gathering dust on display.
Think creatively about your OCR pieces. That teapot designed for brewing? It makes a charming flour vessel. Sugar bowls and jam pots can serve double duty in the kitchen. Stack plates and saucers to create impromptu cake stands or fruit displays. Use that decorative piece as a catch-all for keys and trinkets.
A personal preference
Interestingly, despite her appreciation for Old Country Roses, Lorna herself prefers white china. It’s a reminder that the best tea set is always the one that brings you joy, whether that’s the romantic abundance of OCR or the clean simplicity of white porcelain.
This month, we’re celebrating not just the enduring beauty of Royal Albert Old Country Roses, but the timeless ritual of gathering, sharing, and connecting over tea. After all, isn’t that what these beautiful pieces were always meant for?
Interested in starting or adding to your Old Country Roses collection? Browse our current auction listings at Potteries Auctions.
Want more expert advice on tea time traditions and styling? Pick up a physical or digital copy of the September/October issue of Tea Time Magazine for inspiration and tips from Lorna and her team.
About Lorna Reeves
Lorna Reeves is the editor of TeaTime Magazine (Hoffman Media) and Jane Pettigrew’s World of Tea (83Press). She has been at the helm of TeaTime for more than half of the bimonthly magazine’s 22 years, during which it was named Best Tea Publication at the World Tea Awards twice.
Lorna’s passion for tea began at the Williamsburg Inn and has taken her to tea estates in Sri Lanka, India, and Wales. She has studied with the World Tea Academy and the Specialty Tea Institute, and particularly enjoys planning the tea menus, pairings, and tablescapes featured in the magazine. Lorna is a regular speaker at tea festivals throughout the United States and Canada and has been both a panellist and panel moderator at World Tea Expo.