Before the advent of online shopping how did people shop without visiting large department stores? One answer was using a shopping catalogue within the comfort of your own home. An agent would supply a catalogue for you to peruse at your convenience and who would take your order as well as keep a record of your payments. Kay & Co Ltd based in Worcester was one such a company. To show their appreciation to hard working and very successful agents the company had specially designed pieces of Bone China made by Royal Worcester. This item is such a piece, consisting of two small dishes with a letter form the managing director, Mr V. Watson all kept in a smart official presentation box. The dark blue box remains intact and strong. The edges have some rubbing probably as a result of being kept in a drawer for decades, there is also some slight surface blemishes. On the both sides of the lid, the words "Royal Worcester Bone China" are gilded. Each dish shows a hand coloured transfer of antique prints, one has Worcester Cathedral and the other the famous 13th Century "Edgar Tower", the original gateway to Worcester Castle. Both dishes are in perfect condition with gilding around the rims. On the reverse of each is the Royal Worcester mark and that they have been expressly made for Kay & Co Ltd. The accompanying folded, typed letter is dated 23 June 1975 and addressed to Mrs A Pinnell of Brighton. The letter outlines why the gift has been sent, some history of both companies and states the views that each print shows. This piece is a lovely item of social history and would be ideal for someone connected to either Kays or Royal Worcester, for a collected of Royal Worcester or for someone who lives in or connected to Worcester.

Date: c.1975
Maker: Royal Worcester
Made in England

Dimensions (Box): 20.5cm x 10cm x 2.5cm
Dimensions (Dish): 9.5cm x 9.5cm x 2cm