Pattern Focus: Denby "Arabesque"

Denby “Arabesque” remains one of the most instantly recognisable tableware designs of the 1960s. With its rich brown body and distinctive red, gold and cream decoration, it is a pattern that continues to appeal both to long time collectors and to those looking for replacement pieces for a much loved family set.

Interestingly, Arabesque was not originally intended to become a full tableware range. Designed by Gill Pemberton in 1962, it began life as a small giftware set comprising a large goblet, a salad bowl and a group of storage jars. The design quickly captured people’s imagination and Denby soon expanded the range to include a full dinner, tea and coffee service, along with serving pieces, cookware, cutlery and additional giftware.

The red and gold pattern is said to have been inspired by a trip to Russia that Gill Pemberton had made previously, with the design then brought to life by decorator Trish Seal. Early pieces were hand painted, which helps explain the noticeable variation collectors often see today in shade, ring size and clarity of decoration. Because hand painting the pattern onto the unfired brown glaze was difficult, production later moved to a decal transfer process. This gave the design a more consistent finish, often with a stronger yellow tone and cleaner definition.

Arabesque very nearly had a different name altogether. It was close to being called Samarkand, but Portmeirion exhibited a pattern under that name first, meaning Denby had to look elsewhere. Thankfully, Arabesque proved a very fitting choice and has become inseparable from the design ever since.

Made over many years, Denby Arabesque includes a wonderfully wide range of pieces. Standard tableware and everyday serving items are often the pieces people remember most, but the broader collection also included some less commonly seen items which are now especially sought after. Among the rarer finds are the Touchstone cutlery, coasters, goblets, storage jars, the round chop platter and the larger mugs.

As with most Denby Pottery, Arabesque is generally a robust range and has stood up well to everyday use. Even so, there are a few points worth keeping in mind when buying replacement pieces. Lidded items such as casseroles, teapots and coffee pots should always be checked carefully, particularly the undersides of the lids where chips are more likely to occur. It is also worth looking closely at the underside of spouts on pouring pieces, as these thinner edges can be more vulnerable.

When matching Denby Arabesque, some variation in tone and decoration is entirely normal. Earlier hand painted examples can look noticeably different from later transfer decorated pieces, and subtle differences in colour strength or pattern detail are part of the range’s character. For many customers, that variation is simply part of what makes Arabesque feel authentic and full of life.

As a now discontinued pattern, Denby Arabesque remains highly sought after by those looking for replacement china to complete, restore or extend an existing set. Its popularity has lasted because it combines bold design, everyday durability and a broad enough range of shapes to make collecting both practical and enjoyable.

If you are looking to replace pieces or add to your Denby Pottery “Arabesque” collection, you can browse our current stock online. If the item you need is not currently listed, let us know and we will contact you as soon as suitable pieces become available.