yay, retro!

As you may know, I do like a bit of vintage pottery.

I think there’s nothing nicer than setting your table with some cheerful retro soup bowls, settling down with your Earl Grey in a bright flowered cup with matching saucer (for the biscuits), or serving up slices of lemon drizzle cake on fabulous vintage plates.

Especially whilst reclining against a vintage fabric cushion or two

So I was jolly pleased when I stumbled across Yay, Retro!

Yay retro! is run by the multi-talented Sue, who is based on the edge of the New Forest. She does all the leg work searching out fab vintage and retro china from the 1940s, 50s, 60s and 70s, so you don’t have to!

Often the tea sets and kitchenware are one offs, or rarely seen as a set, making them extra special.

I asked Sue a few questions… it turns out we have quite a bit in common, including a fondness for retro-styled homes, Ercol and collecting (though we don’t share the same taste in biscuits!)

What made you start Yay, Retro!

I have always collected vintage jugs, then recently I fell head over heels in love with Poole Pottery from the 1950s. I began hunting round for it, and very soon I had a very large collection which we use every day. Whilst searching for Poole, I found lots of other gorgeous retro pieces from the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s which I simply had to buy! Our house is now completely retro, we even have an original Ercol coffee table to put our vintage tea cups on!!

When did you open your shop?

Yay, retro! is an online china shop – yayretro.co.uk - and opened in July 2012. As a very new venture we are over the moon that we have such a fantastic following on facebook and over 400 visitors to our website every day!

What is your favourite piece / pattern / era of all time?

I adore fabulous design, chic colours and matte finishes, so I would have to say Poole’s Ice Green and Seagull pottery from the 1950s and 60s is the most perfect china for me! It’s understated-ness, the attention to detail – the way the spout comes out of the teapot makes me sigh, and the beautiful texture of Poole, which makes it a must-have for me every time!

Do you use retro china in your own home?

Most definitely! We use our 1950s Poole Pottery collection every day! We also have several other vintage Pyrex and Johnson Brothers pieces in use all of the time.

And finally, that vital question… what is your favourite biscuit?

Custard Creams and Iced Gems!