Delfts Blauw and Dahlias
As if an excuse were needed. It’s dahlia season and we have a brand new delivery of Delft china. Heaven. Match. Made. In.
Delft China
Emerging in the Netherlands in the late 16th Century as a cheaper alternative to Chinese porcelain, Delftware (or Delfts Blauw in Dutch) was a tin-glazed earthenware, named for the city of Delft which was the major manufacturing centre and characterised by its blue and white decoration. Following the import from Asia of tulip varieties by the Dutch East India Company, the 17th Century saw the country’s obsession with tulips explode. Delfts Blauw ceramics were fashioned into vessels specifically designed for the display of these much coveted horticultural specimens.
Fast Forward
It’s the 21st Century and The Hambledon has developed its own floral obsession. Dahlia-mania is very much a thing in SO23 (though fevered speculation on The Hambledon’s dahlia market is unlikely to lead to the nation’s economic collapse). Delftware tulip vases are being put to sterling use as our container of choice for these beautiful blooms, giving each flower the space to shine. The vases typically feature a few, small holes or ceramic pipes in the body of the vessel in which to insert single stems. All the better to show off your tulip investment/horticultural prowess/ability to find a florist.
The Vessels - Classic Delfts Blauw
Shall we start with the showstopper? The Three Part stackable vase is the ultimate centrepiece for a dining table or entrance hall. Originally (back to the 17th Century again) these were made in stackable units because early kilns weren’t able to fire a single large piece. Today the charm of the building block construction continues.
The iconic and most familiar tulip vase shape is perfect for a more modest but equally striking display. Ideal for bedrooms, sitting room side tables and deep window sills. We love the Angel and Flower motifs on the smaller vases but the larger version includes scrolls on the side, giving it a more elaborate Grecian urn vibe (if you’re seeking extra grandeur).
I love the brick vase. A box construction with small holes in the removable lid. This is perfect for smaller flowers.
A Modern Interpretation
For those of you with a more contemporary aesthetic, we have some simpler versions. You can indulge your passion for dahlias without compromising your enthusiasm for John Pawson and modern minimalism. Choose the Three Part stackable vase in white, the Vase on Legs in white and the very simple Cylinder vase. If you lean towards bling, go Vase on Legs in gold.
A Modern Interpretation
For those of you with a more contemporary aesthetic, we have some simpler versions. You can indulge your passion for dahlias without compromising your enthusiasm for John Pawson and modern minimalism. Choose the Three Part stackable vase in white, the Vase on Legs in white and the very simple Cylinder vase. If you lean towards bling, go Vase on Legs in gold.
The Dahlias
Choose single or complementary coloured flowers or just go crazy with mis-matched heaven. We have used the following varieties, should you wish to copy our efforts:
Cactus (double blooms, narrow petals): Just Married (pink)
Dinner Plate (XL, as the name suggests): Penhill Watermelon (pink); Cafe au Lait (cream)
Semi-Cactus (double blooms, fluffy petals): My Love (white); Chat Noir (deep red); Preference (orangey pink)
Waterlily (broad petals, shallower flowers): Cafe au Lait (white); Milena Fleur (orangey pink)
Ball (round shape, tightly packed petals): Wine Eyed Jill (soft pink); Black Pepper (deep red); Linda's Baby (soft pink)
Thanks to the hugely talented Amy for the images, the hugely talented Jodie for the arrangements and enormous thanks of our friend, the hugely talented grower James Greig of Stem and Green (www.stemandgreen.co.uk).
