Collection: Duchess Tranquility China

Duchess Tranquility china pattern history

Duchess China, established in 1888 at the Albion Works in Staffordshire, England, has a long-standing reputation for producing high quality fine bone china. The "Tranquility" pattern, produced from the mid-1960s to 1994, exemplifies the brand's commitment to quality and timeless design.

Duchess Tranquility china design 

The Tranquility china pattern features a traditional floral motif, showcasing delicate blue flowers reminiscent of forget-me-nots, interspersed with subtle pink buds and lush green foliage. Each piece is adorned with a gold band around the edge, enhancing its elegance. The pure white fine English bone china provides a pristine backdrop, while the classic Victorian-style scalloped edge and subtle embossed texture add to its sophisticated appeal.

Product range that was in production

The Duchess Tranquility china collection offers a comprehensive array of tea wares and tableware to suit various dining occasions. Notable pieces include:

• Dinner Plate (26.5 cm 10 & 3/8 inches): Ideal for main courses, featuring the signature floral design.
• Luncheon Plate (23.5 cm 9.5 inches): Perfect for lighter meals or salads.
• Salad Plate (21 cm 8.25 inch): Suitable for appetizers or desserts.
• Side plate  (16.5 cm 6.5 inches)
• Teacup and Saucer Set: A classic duo for enjoying hot beverages.
• Milk Jugs (1 Pint, 1/2 pint and 1/4 pint ): Charming accessories for serving milk or cream in a variety of sizes available.
• Open Sugar Bowl: Available in both small (9 cm) and large (11 cm) sizes.
• Teapot: Offered in 4 sizes and with 2 different handle variations. Sizes are small (2-cup), medium (4-cup), and large (6-cup) and extra large (2 pint) sizes to cater to different serving needs. 

Duchess Tranquility pattern china pieces are crafted from fine bone china, ensuring both durability and a lightweight feel. The collection's versatility makes it suitable for elegant dining settings as well as everyday use.

Collectibility and availability of Duchess Tranquility bone china 

While the Duchess Tranquility china pattern has been discontinued, it remains a sought-after collection among china enthusiasts and collectors. We specialise in offering top quality replacement china pieces for this pattern. We provide a selection of Duchess Tranquility items, including bone china dinner plates, teacup and saucer sets, side plates, milk jugs, teapots, and mugs.

Caring for your Duchess Tranquility china

To maintain the pristine condition of Duchess Tranquility china, it is recommended to hand wash each piece with mild detergent and warm water. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that could damage the delicate floral design or gold edging. While some bone china items are labeled as dishwasher safe, hand washing is advisable to preserve the intricate detailing and ensure longevity. Duchess Tranquility china is hand gilded and putting it through a dishwasher will remove the gilding.

Frequently asked questions about Duchess Tranquility china

Why is some Duchess Tranquility china marks spelled with two l's?

Tranquillity" (with two Ls) is the traditional British English spelling, while "tranquility" (with one L) is the American English spelling. Both are correct, but the British spelling retains the double L, aligning with other similar words like "tranquillise" and "tranquilliser."

However, many British brands, including Duchess China, sometimes adopt the American spelling, likely for consistency in international markets. If you're referring to the Duchess Tranquility china pattern, it’s spelled with one L, following the American convention.

Do Royal Albert make a similar china pattern called tranquility and are they the same pattern?

Yes, Royal Albert does have a china pattern called Tranquillity (with two Ls), which is similar in style to Duchess Tranquility, although the colours are very different, and they are definitely not the same china pattern

Royal Albert Tranquillity

• Features a white fine bone china base with delicate pink roses, green leaves, and grey scrollwork.
• Has a scalloped edge with elegant gold trim, much like Duchess Tranquility.
• Introduced in the 1960s and has since been discontinued, making it a sought-after pattern for collectors.

Comparison with Duchess Tranquility

• Both patterns have floral designs with gold trim.
• Duchess Tranquility leans towards a blue and green floral motif, whereas Royal Albert Tranquillity features pink roses with grey scrollwork.
• Both patterns have a vintage, romantic aesthetic, perfect for elegant tea settings or fine dining, so you could mix and match them for an eclectic vintage-style tea party.

More Frequently Asked Questions About Duchess Tranquility China

1. When was Duchess Tranquility china made?
Duchess Tranquility was introduced around 1994 by Duchess China, a well-known British fine bone china manufacturer. The pattern has since been discontinued, making it a sought-after collection for collectors and vintage china enthusiasts.

2. What does the Duchess Tranquility pattern look like?
The pattern features delicate blue flowers, subtle pink buds, and green foliage, all set against a pure white bone china background. It is finished with a gold trim and often has a slightly scalloped edge, giving it an elegant and timeless look.

3. Is Duchess Tranquility china dishwasher safe?
While some Duchess China pieces may be labeled as dishwasher safe, it is highly recommended to hand wash Tranquility china with mild detergent and warm water to preserve the gold trim and delicate floral design.

4. What types of items were made in the Duchess Tranquility pattern?
The Tranquility collection includes a wide range of tableware, such as dinner plates, teacups and saucers, teapots, sugar bowls, milk jugs, and serving platters.

5. Is Duchess Tranquility the same as Royal Albert Tranquillity?
No, but they have similarities. Royal Albert Tranquillity features pink roses, grey scrollwork, and gold trim, while Duchess Tranquility has blue flowers and green foliage with gold trim. Both patterns share a vintage, elegant aesthetic.

6. Is Duchess Tranquility still being made?
No, Duchess Tranquility has been discontinued. However, replacement pieces can still be found through vintage and antique retailers, auction houses as well as online marketplaces.

7. Where can I buy Duchess Tranquility china?
You can find Duchess Tranquility china through vintage and antique stores, online retailers specialising in discontinued china, and other marketplaces Our collection page offers a selection of carefully curated top quality pieces.

8. How do I know if my Duchess Tranquility china is genuine?
Look for the Duchess China backstamp on the underside of each piece. It typically includes the word "Duchess" in a distinctive font, along with "Bone China, Made in England" and the pattern name "Tranquility" printed beneath it.

9. Is Duchess China still in business?
Yes, Duchess China is still operating today, producing fine bone china in England. However, they no longer manufacture the Tranquility pattern.

10. Can Duchess Tranquility china be used every day?
Yes, but due to its fine bone china composition and gold trim, it’s best suited for special occasions or light use to prevent wear and damage.

11. Is my Duchess Tranquility china valuable and how much is it worth?

If you’re curious about the value of your Duchess Tranquility china, factors like age, rarity, condition, and demand all play a role. As a discontinued pattern, Tranquility is sought after by collectors, with complete sets, teapots, and serving pieces often fetching higher prices. Mint condition pieces with intact gold trim are the most valuable, while chips or wear may reduce worth. Checking the Duchess backstamp can help confirm authenticity. For a professional assessment, our China Valuation Service can provide expert insights into your collection’s value.