Having sold many City mugs over the years (we do say we have more mugs than Old Trafford!), a common request was to source a City themed fine bone china mug.
After a lot of research, we found a wonderful supplier in Stoke on Trent, which is approximately fifty miles south of Manchester and is the ceramic capital of the UK.
It is here, in the heart of England’s famous potteries, that we found our latest unique City gifts – fine bone china mugs featuring both Maine Road and the City of Manchester stadium designs. More recently we’ve added the Champions Parade design to the collection.
We also have larger fine bone china mugs that hold nearly a pint if you like a big brew! The three designs are all available here.
Manchester City and Stoke have a long tradition. Our record ever attendance in 1934 was against Stoke, when 84,569 (including my Grandad!) watch an FA Cup 6th round match.
Our last game before dropping down to the 3rd tier of English football in 1998 was a 5-2 win away in Stoke. It was the two games against Stoke over the Christmas period in the 98/99 season in the third tier that truly turned the season around, where would we be without that Dickov goal?
Why do people prefer fine bone china?
With high levels of whiteness and translucency, bone china’s high strength allows it to be produced much more thinly than other types of mugs. Bone china doesn’t absorb any of the aromas and flavours like other ceramics do and therefore providing a full tasting experience.
How are they made?
We took a trip down to Stoke to see how they were made. The mugs are hand decorated by a highly skilled, experienced team, before going into kilns overnight.
In the kilns the mugs are heated to over 800 degrees Celsius which fuses the design onto the fine bone china making them dishwasher and microwave proof. The mugs are then left to cool before being inspected and packed.
Working with the resident artist, who is a Mancunian, at our ceramic partner Foley Pottery, the designs capture match going fans at both stadiums.
With a nod to the famous Mancunian artist L.S.Lowry, the designs have been widely acclaimed with a simple classy style. Maine Road, our home from 1923 to 2003, will always bring back memories, whilst the City of Manchester Stadium has provided many trophy winning ones!
The designs and the mugs have proven very popular with lots of 5 star reviews.
“Ordered both Maine Road and City of Manchester Stadium China mugs for two very fussy china mug tea drinkers – both passed drinkability requirements with flying colours. Highly recommended.“ Steve from Cheshire
Whilst Pat from Manchester said “I am fed up of buying China mugs that are not quite what they should be. This is a proper, thin bone China mug for drinking tea. The Lowrey inspired City of Manchester stadium painting is beautiful. Once again Anthony has produced a product to be proud of. I think I might treat myself to the Maine Road one next .”
The designs have proven so popular that, with Christmas around the corner, we’ve decided to put them onto fine bone china baubles. Proving just as popular as the mugs they are currently heading out and will be adorning Christmas trees very soon!
Our fine bone china mugs are available here and baubles here
