Maling history

The 1930s - Art Deco extravagance

By the mid-1930s, Mr Boullemier had built his 'dream team' of creative personnel. They included Norman Carling (a skilled modeller who brought a new three-dimensional aspect to Maling wares), Miss Theo Maling (a talented family member whose freehand designs included the popular 'Storm' pattern) and, to keep things in the family, Mr Boullemier's son - also named Lucien - who had developed his craft under the tutelage of Frederick Rhead at Wood & Sons.

If Maling's 1920s lustre wares hold their own against Wedgwood's 'Fairyland' range (and they do!), the 1930s Art Deco wares can easily be ranked alongside those of more famous designers such as Clarice Cliff. The teapot is in the 'Anzac' pattern - outrageously geometric shapes in both design and potting. Unfortunately, the thing is rather let down by the fact that it isn't possible to grasp the solid triangular handles of the pot and matching cups without the risk of tipping boiling hot tea all over yourself!

A fusion of Norman Carling's and Theo Maling's talents can be seen in the more subtle, but still recognisably Deco range of 'Art Wares' - ribbed and moulded bodies with freehand decoration which tones down the bolder colours of Miss Theo's original 'Storm'. (Miss Theo's 'Storm' and Norman Carling's moulded 'Blossom Time' range would, incidentally, be re-introduced in the 1950s. Don't get them confused. The later versions lack the subtlety of their forebears.)