The remarkable collection of the UK's most prolific collector of postwar British studio pottery. In the latter half of the twentieth century, "professional Yorkshireman" W. A. Ismay (1910-2001) amassed over 3,600 pieces by more than 500 potters. Surrounded by his family of pots, he lived in a tiny terraced house in Wakefield, Yorkshire, and left his collection and its associated archive to the city of York upon his death. This eclectic group of works contains objects created by many of the most significant potters working in the United Kingdom, including Lucie Rie, Hans Coper, Bernard Leach, and Michael Cardew, as well as lesser-known makers. With new academic research into this little-studied collection and archive, Yorkshire Tea Ceremony explores Ismay's journey as a collector and offers fresh perspectives on a marginalized area of British Modernism. Tracing the collection's journey from private to public ownership illuminates issues surrounding the acquisition and reveals the transformative effect it has had on both curatorial practice and the ambition of regional public institutions. The W.A. Ismay Collection offers a well-documented example of the valuable contribution collectors can make to the British studio ceramics movement. Published to coincide with the twentieth anniversary of the collection's move from private to public ownership, this volume accompanies an exhibition at York Art Gallery's Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA).

Charles Waterton (1782-1865) n a true English eccentric, ironically self-styled 'the most commonplace of men'. He talked to insects, fought with snakes, rode an alligator and lived like a monk. He was made famous in his own lifetime by publication of hiswide-ranging travels and natural history observations - always fun, often perceptive, and unfailingly individual. One of his more notable contributions to science was the introduction into Europe of curare, now an invaluable drug in surgical operations. He turned his family estate into an extensive nature reserve; long before such things were heard of, and threw open his gates to the local populace as long as they understood that birds and animals had security of tenure. Waterton wrote three volumes of Essays on Natural History and the best-selling Wanderings in South America, which has never been out of print since the first publication in 1825. He was a fearsome satirist and pamphleteer, attacking prominent figures of his day both with his powerful penand with his taxidermy skills. His simple charm made a mockery of all those enemies who tried to capitalise on his human failings. Unlike previous biographies, this book is an unabashed celebration of his eccentricity, a fond salute to a fine old Englishgentleman. In the centenary year of the Canadian national park which is named after him, the life of Charles Waterton should encourage the preservation of what remains of his kind of world, and remind us of what the world has lost to insensitivity and greed.

The tale of Britain’s greatest love affair begins with the arrival of tea here in the seventeenth century. Since then it has shaped our lives, our history, our work and our culture. So put the kettle on, and read the amazing story of tea.

"In this charming anthology, freelance journalist and blogger Munichiello provides a refreshing reminder of the days when tea parties evoked thoughts of friendship rather than political differences.--Publishers Weekly ""As for the contents, the author recommends that you get a good cup of tea and sit back to read. I agree totally. This is a book to be taken in with some attention, not rushed through…""--English Tea Store ""An anthology of readings for tea lovers old and new. Five types of stories that will speak to you and inspire you--many written by people you may know!""𓴼The Tea House Times ""Tea shop owners, importers, a farmer, academics, authors, and everyday tea lovers wrote about a moment, decision, career change or trip that involved tea. [Katrina] sent me a copy of the book and I really loved it…""--A Life of Spice blog "

Reveals how changes in retailing and shopping were central to the broader transformation of consumption and consumer practices, and questions established ideas about the motivations underpinning consumer choices. Offers new perspectives on the link between supply and demand and the motivations underpinning consumer choices.

Explores how British and Japanese firms have responded to globalization from a long-term perspective. Incorporates studies from the 18th century and sheds light on the impact of the institutional setting, the influence of government and entrepreneurs, and the weight of historical contingency in conditioning firm responses to globalization.