Poole Pottery "Parkstone" v "Lakestone"

As a tableware replacement company we are always grateful for every order we receive. Whether it's a replacement saucer for a tea service or extra place settings for a discontinued dinner service, each order is as important as the next.

However, every now and then we receive an order for a discontinued design whose name strikes fear into china matching services everywhere, as it invariably causes confusion. Poole Pottery "Lakestone" is one such pattern

Two of Poole Pottery's most popular designs from the 70's and 80's were produced on the famous Compact range. They were "Broadstone" and "Parkstone".

We regularly get asked by customers to confirm whether they have Poole Pottery "Broadstone" or Poole Pottery "Parkstone". They are, after all, quite similar, in that they are both strongly speckled or flecked, feature a pie crust ridged edging and a dark chocolate brown rim. However, "Parkstone" has a whitish stoneware background, while "Broadstone" has a distinct yellowy cream background, and in that respect it is usually quite easy to describe the difference between them over the telephone.

However, Poole Pottery decided to introduce another design with a different base colour into the mix. Furthermore, it is rather close to "Parkstone" in that it is only slightly creamier, with a little less flecking and has a milkier chocolate brown rim. The name of this new design was "Lakestone".

So how do you know if you have Poole Pottery "Parkstone" or Poole Pottery "Lakestone"?

Well the first thing to understand is that "Lakestone" was not made as long as "Parkstone"; not by a long way. Therefore, the majority of people have "Parkstone".

Even allowing for the usual manufacturing inconsistencies in shade and density of flecking, if it has a stoneware background, strong speckling, with a dark chocolate rim, it is probably "Parkstone".  If it has a creamy (not yellow) background and is only lightly flecked with a milk chocolate brown rim, it is "Lakestone."

Take a look at the images below:

Poole Pottery "Lakestone"

Poole Pottery "Parkstone" 

Poole Pottery "Parkstone" v "Poole Pottery "Lakestone"

The images above show a Poole "Parkstone" plate on top of a Poole "Lakestone" plate.

If you have either "Lakestone" or "Parkstone", hopefully this article has helped you identify which you have so you can now search for your replacement china on our site. However, if you are still in doubt, by all means give us a call on our freephone number 0800 772 3428 and we will be happy to help.