During the 1930's there was a great push for artists to become more involved in Industry, and a government scheme was created in 1933, where famous artists would design glass and table wares that would be produced by the best manufacturers in England for a selling exhibition at Harrod in Knightsbridge.
Perhaps the original idea had been to make inclusive and affordable pieces, but the reality was that the designs were hard to translate and ultimately paint onto curved surfaces of china and glass. Though the exhibition opened with a fanfare ,little ware sold as the sets were expensive. A few artists work sold well such as Laura Knight . Here is a part tea set designed by Vanessa Bell and produced by Foley China , most pieces are marked First Edition and there are a wide variety of artists to collect. One for investment perhaps and always fun to eat off.
"Vanessa pattern tea set design by Vanessa Bell , Art for Industry . 1st edition . Foley 1934