by Jack Huggins
Please visit
http://mytreasures.ca/archives.htm for the first five parts of
this series in previous issues of Treasures.
Today, Shakespeare’s statement, “To be or not to be, that is the
question,” applies to the popularity of original, authentic Royal
Albert china.
Is there a market today for this lovely china or is it a dying fad?
I feel there is still an active market for Royal Albert today. It is
one of the two cornerstones of our antique business and we sell a
lot at our store and at antique shows all over Alberta.
Who buys Royal Albert china nowadays? The main group of china buyers
is made up of 45-60 year-olds. They are buying pieces to complete
the sets they received as wedding presents, purchasing serving
pieces and other unique items of the same pattern. They also buy
one-piece settings of a tea cup/saucer, dinner plate and dessert
side plate to start off a granddaughter’s collection.
The next buying group is the 30-45 year-olds. They are starting to
appreciate the quality and atmosphere this china exemplifies. They
are really fed up with the items being manufactured today. The
authentic Royal Albert china solves this problem with its excellent
quality and the array of beautiful patterns that suit just about
everybody. This age group is starting to collect a particular set.
The people in the 19-29 age group may not be as keen on purchasing
fine bone china as their older counterparts. Many seem to be content
with microwave and dishwasher safe items but some are starting to
show an interest and that’s encouraging for the future.
The important thing to remember is that each generation has its own
identity with memories and collecting preferences which change as
the age of the collector changes.
One can never go wrong in purchasing fine Royal Albert china. Always
buy what you enjoy and the best that you can afford. Build up
collections that you can be proud of, and take comfort in the
knowledge that you are the curator of a safe investment.
