It's my husband's fault. If he hadn't given me an eBay gift card for our anniversary earlier this month, I wouldn't have felt compelled to look for a "nice" eBay item to purchase, and I wouldn't have finally given in to a longtime desire to collect pieces of Tea Room pattern depression glass.
Oh well, the fun begins! I suppose it was inevitable, really. As soon as I knew this pattern existed, I was intrigued. When I opened the quick-to-arrive gift, my enabler immediately said he liked the Art Deco styling. He's exactly right on the period, of course, for the Tea Room pattern was made by Indiana Glass from 1926 to 1931.
There is so much I need to learn about this glassware. So far, what I've learned is this: Pieces were made in pink, green, clear and amber, and it appears the clear and amber are rarer (and not as pretty, in my opinion). These pieces were made to be used in soda shops and tea rooms. On one web site I read that production included pieces for a full dinner service, but another site said no, there were no dinner plates made in this pattern. (And would soda shops and tea rooms have had a need for dinner plates?) Time -- and research -- will tell which of these theories is true.
Because of the Art Deco styling, all those little lines leading to pointed edges, it is said to be hard to find Tea Room pieces in good condition (mine were!), and I can certainly see why. With so many corners and edges facing out, it's easy to see how the damage occurred.
In looking at pieces on eBay, I also learned that Tea Room pattern pieces can be six-sided or eight-sided, like this eight-sided sugar bowl shown from overhead. Researching my new pattern is fun, but I am also enjoying imagining my new sugar and creamer enjoying life in the '20s or '30s, picturing the tea room proprietress who served customers with these, or the lunching ladies whose conversations passed right over these very pieces of glass. (Please tell me I'm not the only one who ponders The Secret Life of Teawares!) And if any of you happen to collect this pattern, I'd sure love to know more!
It's my husband's fault. If he hadn't given me an eBay gift card for our anniversary earlier this month, I wouldn't have felt compelled to look for a "nice" eBay item to purchase, and I wouldn't have finally given in to a longtime desire to collect pieces of Tea Room pattern depression glass.
Oh well, the fun begins! I suppose it was inevitable, really. As soon as I knew this pattern existed, I was intrigued. When I opened the quick-to-arrive gift, my enabler immediately said he liked the Art Deco styling. He's exactly right on the period, of course, for the Tea Room pattern was made by Indiana Glass from 1926 to 1931.
There is so much I need to learn about this glassware. So far, what I've learned is this: Pieces were made in pink, green, clear and amber, and it appears the clear and amber are rarer (and not as pretty, in my opinion). These pieces were made to be used in soda shops and tea rooms. On one web site I read that production included pieces for a full dinner service, but another site said no, there were no dinner plates made in this pattern. (And would soda shops and tea rooms have had a need for dinner plates?) Time -- and research -- will tell which of these theories is true.
Because of the Art Deco styling, all those little lines leading to pointed edges, it is said to be hard to find Tea Room pieces in good condition (mine were!), and I can certainly see why. With so many corners and edges facing out, it's easy to see how the damage occurred.
In looking at pieces on eBay, I also learned that Tea Room pattern pieces can be six-sided or eight-sided, like this eight-sided sugar bowl shown from overhead. Researching my new pattern is fun, but I am also enjoying imagining my new sugar and creamer enjoying life in the '20s or '30s, picturing the tea room proprietress who served customers with these, or the lunching ladies whose conversations passed right over these very pieces of glass. (Please tell me I'm not the only one who ponders The Secret Life of Teawares!) And if any of you happen to collect this pattern, I'd sure love to know more!
Love your new collection, Angela!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! I wouldn't go a day without reading your blog -- always so interesting!
What a fabulous pattern! Love, love, love it!
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteI love it! I don't collect this pattern, but love seeing them and love the art deco too. I will enjoy following your collecting of this pattern. Now I am going to keep my eyes open for pieces and let you know (or maybe I won't let you know and relishing them myself) :) I think my husband would thing I am crazy, since I already have a pile of green depression glass.
ReplyDeleteVery nice start to your collection. I'm glad you gave in and started a collection.
ReplyDeleteAngela, these are so pretty! I love the photos, especially the overhead shot of the sugarbowl. Very neat image. And no, you aren't the only one who wonders about the 'previous life of tea cups and saucers,' I have wondered too! Enjoy your new collection,
ReplyDeleteJoanie
I've never heard of this pattern but it's beautiful! I can see why you wanted it for your collection. I just googled a little and really like the green too. But boy is it expensive! If you haven't checked replacements.com, go take a look. They don't have a lot in the tea room pattern but they do list what pieces were made for each color.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post! I love pink depression glass and this pattern is lovely. I can see why it caught your eye! I also enjoy the green depression glass. My favorite pattern is Cameo.
ReplyDeleteI love it! What a great start for an interesting, unique and beautiful collection.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen this Tea Room depression glass pattern before - it's terrific. And it comes in pink - what could be better?
ReplyDeleteWho could resist vintage pink glassware? great find!
ReplyDeleteI'm behind in my visits ~ I'm lurving the new fall theme colors and design you've got now.
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I thought of when I saw the pics was the movie "Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day".