Beswick Ware Celery Boat, Dish

Price: £30

Dimensions: Height 5.9 cm, Length 30.5 cm, Depth 15 cm (2.3 in x 12.0 in x 5.9 in)

A wonderfully eccentric Beswick Ware celery dish, made in England and marked with the shape number 220. The long, gently curved dish has a rich green and cream glaze, raised basket-weave texture and a moulded celery stalk running proudly through its centre, turning an everyday vegetable into something rather splendid.

Dating from the mid-20th century, most likely between the 1950s and 1970s, it is a lovely example of Beswick’s playful, nature-inspired tableware. The No. 220 form was made as a celery boat, with examples typically measuring around 12 inches long and carrying the Beswick Ware Made in England mark.[

Of course, it is marvellous for celery, but we rather like it as a colourful dressing-table dish for a watch and jewellery at the end of the day. It also works surprisingly well with a line of small flowers, offering a wonderfully unexpected alternative to a vase.

Condition: In good vintage condition, with no chips or cracks. There is glaze crazing, commensurate with age and adding to its lovely lived-in character.