Burleigh Ware Blue Willow China

Burleigh's blue willow china was first produced in 1924 Burgess & Leigh (Burleigh) originally released te design under the name 'Dillwyn' Willow but quickly reverted to the Burleigh Ware Willow branding. Production was continuous up until 1954 at the Middleport pottery, Buslem.

Burleigh ware willow offered a very characteristic design with rich gilt decoration being a stand out feature. Tissue transfer printing gave the willow pieces a rich deep cobalt look with crisp finely detailed design and borders, unique to Burleigh.

Many Burleigh ware willow flatware molds were date impress stamped, so dating of these early and mid century pieces is usually possible. Burleigh reintroduced Willow in the 21st century and modern pieces are available but not in the same classic shapes, and with no Gilt!  identifiable by the factory stamp which includes dishwasher and microwave safe text.

In my opinion these modern pieces are not a patch on the 1930's and 1940's products with their fine detailed transfer blockwork in the richest of cobalt blues and all set on those wonderful architectural mold shapes which make Burleigh Willow instantly recognisable, and so popular amongst blue and white collectors.

At the time of writing, Burleigh willow is still in production at the Middleport pottery, but the parent company, Denby is in administration, and the future of the Burleigh brand uncertain while receivers seek a buyer for the brand.