Elevating Everyday Dining: The Relaunch of Royal Doulton’s Olio Collection by Barber Osgerby

In the dynamic landscape of contemporary home design, where both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality are paramount, the Olio collection, masterfully designed by the acclaimed studio Barber Osgerby for Royal Doulton, makes a triumphant return. Relaunched for Spring 2021 with an exquisite update of new colours and refined styles, this porcelain tableware collection embodies a perfect synergy of considered design and functional sensibility. It offers not just dinnerware, but a versatile foundation for a curated home, designed to seamlessly blend into daily life while elevating every dining experience. This refreshed collection continues its legacy of empowering individuals to express their unique style through thoughtfully chosen pieces.

The Barber Osgerby Philosophy: Curating Your Home, Not Just a Set

The genesis of the Olio collection stems from a deep understanding of modern living habits, a core principle of Barber Osgerby’s design philosophy. Edward Barber articulates this vision precisely: “When we set out to design the Olio Collection, we wanted to create pieces that work with how people live and use their tableware.” He insightfully observes that people rarely possess a single, uniform set of tableware. Instead, homes are often filled with an eclectic mix – a jug from a local artisan, plates from a favourite store, glasses collected during travels abroad. “So people actually have curated collections of things that work well together,” Barber explains. Olio is crafted to complement this reality, offering individual pieces that can integrate effortlessly into an already treasured collection, enhancing rather than replacing it.

Jay Osgerby expands on this versatile approach, emphasizing the collection’s adaptability: “What we created is a collection of pieces that can work together with the pieces you might already have in your home, or, you can buy the whole Olio set.” This dual proposition ensures that Olio appeals to a broad audience, from those seeking to add unique, design-led items to their existing kitchenware, to those wishing to invest in a complete, cohesive dining solution. This thoughtful flexibility is a cornerstone of the Olio identity, reflecting a respect for personal taste and the evolving nature of home aesthetics.

A Refined Vision: The 2021 Update and Material Focus

The Spring 2021 relaunch is not merely a reintroduction; it’s a testament to continuous refinement and a quest for perfection. Jay Osgerby highlights this dedication to detail: “This new update to Olio has let us revisit some of the elements of the collection that we wanted to focus on and refine, just perfecting the form of the pieces.” This commitment means that every silhouette, every curve, and every edge has been meticulously re-examined and subtly enhanced, resulting in tableware that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. The forms are now even more harmonious, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing, ensuring that each item is a joy to hold and behold.

A significant aspect of this update is the renewed focus on the inherent qualities of the materials. “We also wanted to really highlight the materials – we have embraced the tactility of the ceramic and pared back the glazes as well as updated the colours,” Osgerby reveals. This means the collection celebrates the natural texture and raw beauty of porcelain. Many of the pieces proudly feature a distinctive unglazed base, providing a striking tactile contrast to the smooth, glazed surfaces. This deliberate design choice not only adds a unique visual interest but also invites a sensory experience, grounding the user in the authenticity and craftsmanship of each object. The pared-back glazes further enhance this material honesty, allowing the true character of the ceramic to shine through.

An Expanded Palette: Introducing Celadon Blue

Designed with an emphasis on daily utility, the Olio porcelain tableware collection showcases a timeless colour palette now enriched for 2021. Alongside the foundational elegance of classic black and white, which offer crisp contrasts and adaptable sophistication, the collection welcomes a serene new celadon blue. This tranquil hue brings a fresh, calming dimension to the range, inspired by natural landscapes and reminiscent of clear skies or peaceful waters. The celadon blue not only invigorates the collection but also significantly broadens its appeal, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into an even wider spectrum of home decors, from minimalist urban dwellings to cozy rustic retreats.

The true ingenuity of Olio lies in its intentionally eclectic design. Each piece is conceived as an independent entity that possesses inherent beauty, yet is also crafted to harmonise effortlessly with others. This “mix and match” philosophy encourages playful experimentation and personal curation. Imagine setting a table where a pristine white dinner plate provides a canvas for your meal, accompanied by a soothing celadon blue side plate, and a sophisticated matt black mug for your beverage. This dynamic approach allows for endless combinations, ensuring that your table settings always feel fresh, personal, and reflective of the moment. It transforms daily meals into opportunities for creative expression, moving beyond the confines of rigid matching sets.

Signature Forms and Enduring Appeal

Among the diverse offerings of the Olio collection, certain pieces captivate with their distinctive design and sculptural presence. I recall admiring this collection when it first debuted several years ago, and I feel incredibly fortunate to now welcome these beautiful items into our home. My personal favourites remain the sculptural teapot and carafe, particularly in their striking matt black finish. Their considered forms, clean lines, and inviting textures create a compelling focal point in any setting. I am particularly drawn to how the morning light gracefully frames their silhouettes on our kitchen window sill, transforming these functional objects into captivating pieces of art that enhance the ambiance of the room.

Beyond these iconic pieces, the collection encompasses a comprehensive array of items, including versatile plates, bowls, mugs, jugs, and various serving pieces. Each element is imbued with the same commitment to marrying functional utility with exquisite design. Whether it’s a generously sized platter perfect for entertaining or a perfectly weighted mug for a quiet morning coffee, every item within the Olio collection feels purposeful and exceptionally crafted. The delightful interplay between the smooth glazed surfaces and the raw, unglazed textures provides a depth and tactile richness often absent in contemporary mass-produced dinnerware, fostering a deeper, more mindful connection with the objects we use daily.

Royal Doulton’s Heritage in a Modern Context

The Olio collection serves as a magnificent example of Royal Doulton’s enduring legacy and its forward-thinking approach to design. As a brand steeped in a rich history of quality and craftsmanship since 1815, Royal Doulton has consistently evolved to meet the demands of contemporary tastes. The collaboration with Barber Osgerby exemplifies this progressive spirit, creating a range that gracefully bridges traditional artistry with modern functionality. Olio is more than just dinnerware; it represents a new generation of heirloom pieces, crafted to withstand the rigours of everyday use while retaining an timeless appeal. It reaffirms Royal Doulton’s position as a leader in creating robust, beautifully designed tableware for the modern home.

Embrace the Art of Intentional Living with Olio

In an age often dominated by transient trends, the Olio collection offers a refreshing counter-narrative: enduring design, uncompromising quality, and unparalleled versatility. It encourages a more mindful approach to home decor, inviting us to savour the beauty in everyday objects and to cultivate a living space that authentically reflects our individuality. The meticulous craftsmanship, the thoughtful design philosophy, and the introduction of new, serene colours converge to make the Olio collection an indispensable choice. It’s perfect for anyone seeking to elevate their dining experiences and infuse their home with an understated yet sophisticated style. Discover the renewed elegance and functional artistry of Olio, and begin curating your own unique, story-filled tablescape today.

Ready to infuse your home with timeless design and versatile beauty? Shop the full Olio collection by Barber Osgerby for Royal Doulton here and bring home pieces that seamlessly blend artistic form with everyday practicality.

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All images: Helen Powell