Shop and goods review: Cosmo China (‘cute and modern classic dinnerware’, London, WC1)

Shop and goods review: Cosmo China (‘cute and modern classic dinnerware’)
Telephone: 020 7278 3374
Email: info@cosmochina.co.uk
11 Cosmo Place, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 3AP
Cosmo China – map
Review by: Alexa Williamson
Rating: **** (out of 5)

With the London branch based in a quiet part of Bloomsbury, just near Queen’s Square and all of the hospitals there (including Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Neurology Hospital), as well as the Brunswick Centre and Russell Square tube, this is a delightful and unassuming (from the outside only) shop to visit. And, once you enter,  it becomes a fun world of fairytale patterns and dinnerware which is perfect for families (and others) who love creative and colourful fairytale-type things (which can be very similar to Dr Seuss or Beatrix Potter).

A place to visit if you are looking for original-design dinnerware and some crockery – including your breakfast, lunch and breakfast plates and bowls. If you need it and want something fun and colourful, you will find many imaginative patterns here, which are done in the 20th and 21st centuries and all hand-painted. The shop also has premises in Canterbury.

Fun stuff, the owners and artists are very nice to speak to and creative browsing, to help you decide what you want, is nice, peaceful and leisurely with help if you need it – the best way to pick something that you will love and cherish. Handpainted ceramic commissions are also understake and you can also have things shipped to you.

Canterbury shop address and information: Cosmo China, 26 Palace Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2DZ. Telephone: 01227 784 154.

Further information:
Cosmo China (official site)

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Shopping tip – fun quintessentially English stuff: Cath Kidston

Shopping tip – fun quintessentially English stuff: Cath Kidston
Tip by: Alexa Williamson
Product range rating: *** (out of 5)

I was, as the saying goes… “on the fence” about writing about Cath Kidston as what she produces is very girly and appeals to those who like flowers – her designs remind me of something between Laura Ashley and Worcestershire ceramics (mainly the designs you will find on the teasets). Her patterns can be busy or simple but tend to include flowers and bright colours. I decided to highlight this British designer because the prices are inexpensive for excellent quality and everything she does is “well-made”. Also because, I read an article in the Sunday Times (25 November 2012) a couple of weeks ago that she is increasing her sales in an obvious recession, which is impressive.

Cath Kidston has been designing since 1993 – when she opened her first shop in London’s Holland Park.

The website says: “At Cath Kidston, we are known for our original prints and fresh take on design. We add a modern twist to classic designs to create contemporary products which evoke a sense of nostalgia and fun.”

When you visit her website you will find lots of fun things – from pyjamas to tea and coffee mugs to toiletries bags and umbrellas and more. The site is easy to understand and quick to get through, which is fortunate. From a quick glance, the dresses on the site are hideous so avoid those (they make Marks & Spencers women’s dresses look beautiful, glamorous and feminine – and those are actually very dowdy and shapeless). Go for the mugs and pyjamas and other things!

From Wikipedia (in brief – more to be found there): “Catherine Isabel Audrey Kidston MBE (born 6 November 1958 and generally known as Cath Kidston in Marylebone, London) is an English fashion designer, businesswoman and author whose company, Cath Kidston Limited sells home furnishings and related goods through shops, online and by mail order. In February 2010, the company was valued at £75 million. She is particularly known for her nostalgic floral patterns and has also published a number of books.”

Further information:
Cath Kidston (official site)
Cath Kidston (Wikipedia)

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