Kitchen_Icon_HoS_Mason_Cash_Autumn_2020

KITCHEN ICON MASON CASH

LEFT: Taken around 1972, this shows mixing bowls being placed in the kiln. In the next picture, taken the same year, you can see the shelves include a variety of sizes of mixing bowls and ramekins. Every inch of the shelf is used.

producing ranges of innovative and beautifully designed products aimed to make baking easy,” adds Senior Brand Manager Paul Donnelly. “By mixing tradition with innovation we strive to continue to develop beautiful collections that are functional and bring style and character to any kitchen.” FUN FACTS • In the mid-19th century, Mason Cash products were sometimes called ‘bargeware’, as after coming straight off the production line they were loaded directly into canal barges and shipped to different cities and ports to be exported all over the world. • The bowls are traditionally given sizes which don’t relate to actual measurements but to how many can fit on a shelf in a kiln when being made. This sizing is still relevant today and the most popular bowl is a 12, which has a 29cm diameter at the top. The sizes currently produced range from a size 6 (33cm diameter) to 36 (15cm). • In the 19th century, Mason Cash oven dishes were referred to as ‘nappies’. This came from the old English word ‘hnaep’, which simply means plate. • The iconic bowl has featured throughout the years in many British period dramas, including Downton Abbey as well as appearing on cookery programmes such as The Great British Bake Off and daytime BBC and ITV shows.

ABOVE: Historical advert for Mason Cash bowls.

utilitarian wares through the Second World War. By this point, Tom Cash’s son had taken over. Despite changing hands numerous times over the decades, the brand remained much loved and was still going strong when it was acquired by the Liverpool-based Rayware Group in 2003 who retain it to this day. Millions of the bowls continue to be sold each year and while the original white and cane glazed earthenware remains just as popular, it has been joined by a host of other options, from delicate pastels to vibrant brights. The specialist glaze not only gives a high-

gloss finish but also helps to make the bowls more chip-resistant. New designs have included the Heart range and In The Forest mixing bowls which were added to the range in 2007 and 2014 respectively. Other Mason Cash products include utensils, ovenware and dinnerware, as well as cake decorating equipment. In addition to great success in the UK, Mason Cash has a strong presence internationally. The company regularly gathers information on consumers from different demographics to ensure products have world-wide appeal. “We are constantly researching and

You can see photos of the bowls with the Royal Family at www.britishlegion.org.uk/ stories

ABOVE: The original bowls have been joined by a host of other colours and designs in recent years.

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