Maling history

The 1950s - Playing it safe

Maling's range dropped off significantly in this decade. When in doubt, the factory resorted to the 'tried-and-tested' rather than risking too many new designs. Successful 1930s patterns such as 'Storm' and 'Blossom Time' - below right - were re-introduced in somewhat more garish versions than their predecessors. (Perhaps people were grateful for a splash of colour after the ban on selling decorated wares was finally lifted.)

Lucien George Boullemier had remained at the pottery after the departure of his father. No doubt he was frustrated by the post-war restrictions. However, he did introduce a range of attractive floral patterns, the most popular of which was perhaps 'Springime' - below left. Indeed, it was this design which was chosen to adorn a series of reproduction plates which promoted a major exhibition of Maling held in Newcastle in the 1990s.

The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II was an opportunity to produce commemorative wares on a massive scale - the kind of opportunity on which Maling had regularly capitalised since the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897 (if not earlier). Paintresses recollect being pulled off other work to help with this huge project, and the factory being piled from floor to ceiling with commemorative wares.

'Waved' wares - by now a Maling trademark - continued to be produced. New shapes included 'Voluta' - for which the society has, by a stroke of luck, managed to rediscover the remaining moulds, sold off when the factory closed in 1963. (See page 14 for an example of Voluta.)