James Smith’s – latest designs

James Smith’s had a long-standing policy of stocking up-to-date designs. In 1928, its advertising proclaimed: ‘Our English office keeps in close touch with English manufacturers, but new ideas from leading Continental makers are always being searched for.’ Four years on, it was selling Doulton’s ‘Syren’ coffee pot – the latest in art-deco design.

Walter found the pot in a second-hand store many years later. The ‘bullicante’ glass vase was a gift from his friend, Roger Cowan.

These three pieces all originally came from James Smith’s department store in Wellington. Walter bought the Danish ceramic dish new. It was the latest fashion in 1975.

Text taken from exhibition Walter Cook: A Collector's Quest 2012.