Collect any Waterford or Wedgewood?

[3113]

Hold on tight to them! It's possible that they're about to become even more rare and valuable:

Waterford Wedgwood PLC, the maker of classic china and crystal, filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday after attempts to restructure the struggling business or find a buyer failed. Four administrators from business advisory firm Deloitte were appointed to run the company's businesses in Britain and Northern Ireland, while a Deloitte partner in the Irish Republic was appointed as receiver of Waterford Wedgwood PLC, the ultimate parent of the U.K. companies, and other Irish subsidiaries.

The U.K. joint administrators said they intended to continue to run the business as they seek a buyer. Trading in the company's shares was suspended on the Irish Stock Exchange where they languished at just one-tenth of a euro cent. "Waterford, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton are quintessentially classic brands that represent a high quality product which is steeped in history," the administrators said in a statement. "The administration team will be working closely with management, customers and suppliers during this time to ensure operations continue whilst a sale of the business is sought."

Waterford Wedgwood, which employs around 7,700 worldwide, is the latest in a burgeoning list of iconic British companies to succumb to the global economic slowdown and credit squeeze. Department store veteran Woolworths, the queen's tailor Hardy Amies, tea and coffee merchant Whittard of Chelsea and fellow ceramics stalwart Royal Worcester and Spode have all filed for bankruptcy protection in recent months. Wedgwood has been an iconic name in British pottery for 250 years, after its founder Josiah Wedgwood opened the first factory in Stoke-on-Trent, central England, in 1759. It began making bone china in the 19th century. Waterford Crystal traces its lineage to a factory opened in Waterford, southeast Ireland in 1783, although that business failed in the 1850s. The brand was revived by Czech immigrant Miroslav Havel in 1947.

More here.

 

[trysail]

The brand names Waterford or Wedgewood and their associated crystal and porcelain products are in no more danger of disappearing than Cheerios.

Only those who succumb to the messages of the purveyors of "special limited edition" collectibles would believe otherwise.

Anybody out there bought their "limited edition" Barack Obama inauguration dinner plates yet?

 

[Safe_Bet]

Shit! Spode too?

I've been debating on whether to add another four place settings for months. Guess I'd better get my ass in gear just in case they go chapter 7.

Thank god LLadro seems to be doing okay or I'd really be pissed!

 

[3113]

The brand names Waterford or Wedgewood and their associated crystal and porcelain products are in no more danger of disappearing than Cheerios.

Maybe not, but those of us who, like Safe_Bet need to maintain our place settings for special dinners do find this a bit alarming

Anybody out there bought their "limited edition" Barack Obama inauguration dinner plates yet?

LOL! Here's what Lewis Black had to say about all the commemorative Obama stuff coming out. Hilarious.

 

[cloudy]

Shit! Spode too?

I've been debating on whether to add another four place settings for months. Guess I'd better get my ass in gear just in case they go chapter 7.

My china is Spode, too.

My crystal is Waterford, but since it's been handed down for several generations, I have plenty - probably enough for forty or so.