Blog Arts de la table — General

If you have ever searched for a replacement piece and found plenty of one item but almost none of another, you are certainly not alone. It is one of the most common frustrations when trying to replace or complete a discontinued china set.

The pattern is right, the era is right, the maker is right… but the one piece you actually need seems to have vanished without trace.

So why does this happen? Why do some items appear regularly, while others seem almost impossible to track down?

Let’s be honest, most china doesn’t live a quiet life. It starts out as the best set. Carefully chosen, proudly displayed, maybe even saved “for special occasions only.” The kind of plates that only come out when guests are over, or when everything else in...

Buying pre-loved china and pottery is often the only way to replace discontinued pieces and keep a much-loved set complete. But for many people, there’s always a lingering question: “How do I know if what I’m buying is actually good quality?” The good news is...

News emerged yesterday, Friday 13th March 2026, that Denby Pottery Company is to  appoint administrators, marking a significant moment for one of Britain’s best known pottery manufacturers. Founded in Derbyshire in 1809, Denby has long been recognised for its durable stoneware and distinctive designs, many...

If you turn almost any piece of china or pottery over, you will usually find a small mark on the base. This is known as a backstamp, and it can often reveal valuable information about who made the piece and roughly when it was produced. For...

One of the most common questions we are asked at MrPottery is whether a particular design contains lead.

It’s an understandable concern. Many of the tableware patterns we supply are discontinued, and some are now considered vintage. Customers naturally want reassurance that their replacement china is safe for everyday use.

At MrPottery, we understand that replacement china is often more than just a practical purchase. Many pieces carry sentimental value, form part of treasured family sets, or may be difficult or impossible to replace again. That’s why we take exceptional care when packing every order, ensuring your china arrives safely, wherever you are in the world.

Finding the name and maker of a discontinued china pattern can feel surprisingly difficult, especially when the design has been discontinued some time ago or inherited from family members. Whether you’re trying to replace a broken piece or simply learn more about your tableware, this guide will walk you through the easiest ways to identify your china pattern.