From graffiti carved in the walls of Pompeii 2000 years ago to the birth of printing, the bauhaus and contemporary fonts, the evolution of ‘&', a mark that evolved from the Latin ‘et’ to represent partnership, collaboration and coming together - union. The design of each plate reflects its place in the timeline, resulting in unique pieces that also come together seamlessly as a set. A serving plate combining one design from each period completes the collection - add white tableware or display on the wall.

The ampersand originated as a ligature of the Latin ‘et’. An informal alternative to the official Tironian shorthand taught to scribes from first century BC, it was personal to each author. As literacy spread through the general population, so did the personal flourishes of the common mark ‘&’.

Key examples of calligraphic styles along the timeline are hand drawn from original sources. Typefaces are selected to represent design and technological advances from the 1500s to the present. Our designers’ shared backgrounds in calligraphy and typography combine to create a collection that explores the least conformist character in the modern English alphabet.

Key examples of calligraphic styles along the timeline are handrawn from original sources, and typefaces chosen that represent design and technological advances from the 1500s to the present. Our designers’ shared backgrounds in calligraphy and typography combine to create a collection that explores the least conformist character in the modern English alphabet.

The final design is silkscreened by hand onto English fine bone china made for Whitebeam Studio by a small pottery in Staffordshire, northern England. Microwave and dishwasher safe - in constant use at our studio!

The final design is silkscreened by hand onto English fine bone china made for Whitebeam Studio by a small pottery in Staffordshire, northern England. Microwave and dishwasher safe - in constant use at our studio!