Johnson Brothers Heritage

It’s difficult to think of a more identifiable shape for a china collection than that of Johnson Brothers Heritage White – and the subsequent designs of Eternal Beau and Fresh Fruit.

Developed in the late 1960s, Heritage White’s unexpected octagonal shape met a trend for intriguing design and form while and helping Johnson Brothers adapt to a modernist world.

Heritage White became a huge success. Particular appeal came from how the octagonal shape was carried right across the collection, from the plates and bowls through to the cups and teapots. The design was finished with a series of raised dots enclosed by two delicate raised lines, adding texture and interest to the plates’ borders and the cups’ octagonal body.

So popular was the Heritage shape that Johnson Brothers, which became part of the Wedgwood Group in 1968, went on to add more than 20 designs.

One of these new designs to feature the standout octagonal shape was Eternal Beau , which would go on to be an all-time best-selling tableware collection. Introduced in 1981 – and with a romantic look perfect for the year of the royal wedding between Charles and Diana – the elegant design featured loosely entwined sprigs of pink flowers on green stalks wrapped around a tan ribbon.

In 1990 came Fresh Fruit. Its vibrant mix of colours and bold styling, very different in feel from the softer pattern of Eternal Beau and the crisp luxury of Heritage White, added a touch of newness to the shape.

Lesser-known designs on the Heritage shape include Garden Trellis and Madison. These didn’t have quite the same appeal, unable to match the excitement around the shape at launch or the attraction of the vast Eternal Beau collection.

Since being discontinued in 2013, Johnson Brothers Heritage White and Eternal Beau in particular have become highly sought-after. Chinasearch have good replacement china stocks of these collections, so take a look at the many octagonal wonders you could add to your existing set.