Mom's Teacups and Mr. Selfridge

Did you watch the new PBS Masterpiece Classic series "Mr. Selfridge" which debuted here in the States last night? I thought it was pretty entertaining. I don't think it will capture our hearts and imaginations like "Downton Abbey" has, but then few series will ever have that kind zeitgeist moment. Starring Jeremy Pivens (late of "The Entourage"), "Mr. Selfridge" is the story of the American businessman who conceived of the modern department store with instant markdowns, celebrity endorsements, fabulous display windows, and touchable merchandise. For good or bad, he made shopping a "thing".

Still going strong, Selfridge's is considered one of the iconic department stores in the world. In the 1950's my mother took a Grand Tour of Europe and when in London, visited the store. There, she purchased one of her most prized possessions, a collection of six beautiful teacups which have always been prominently displayed in her house. Mom and her travel companion Lorraine each purchased 6 cups and saucers which were carefully wrapped and delivered directly to their ship, the United States. Ah, travel was so much more elegant back in the day. I asked her about her shopping experience at Selfridge's and she said it was a lovely store and that all the teacups were displayed out on a counter, very easy to pick up

and look at. It's interesting, the concept of shopping with everything behind glass vs. the ability to touch and feel the merch.

I've spent my whole life looking at these beautiful teacups and saucers, that have only ever been displayed, not used. Mom has never been a tea drinker and she really did buy them just to look at them. On the one hand, that concept has always frustrated me because I hold the view that these items are made to be used and why not have a daily dose of beauty and elegance? Why always save pretty items like china, silver and crystal for holidays or guests? Are we not good enough ourselves? In the other hand, had my Mom made use of these on a daily basis (or allowed a certain little girl to play teaparty with them) how many would have survived? And even if they were all in tact, the decoration on the cups would likely be showing wear after all these years.

So, what do you think? Use it and possibly lose it? Or preserve memories in pristine condition.

 

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