Friday mornings at Portobello Market
Friday mornings at Portobello Market are a perfect way to start the weekend. On the particularly occasion I first spotted Melody Rose‘s delightful china, I had the Smalls in tow. Keen to spend their limited pocket money on a market bargain, I explained that this was a ‘don’t touch’ stall.
Melody Rose upcycled ceramics
Melanie Roseveare, Canadian-born designer and founder of Melody Rose, specialises in upcycled ceramics. What does this mean, I hear you cry! In essence, Melanie rejuvenates vintage bone china by adapting it for our modern tastes. Pieces are re-fired in the kiln before they emerge as rock-chic china.
As I have an obsession for skulls, I immediately fell in love with her skull-design tea cups on display at her market stall and then needed to know more…
How long ago did you launch Melody Rose and how did it all start?
I launched Melody Rose in 2011. I was working on the designs, ideas and making for a few years in my spare time before launching Melody Rose properly in July 2011.
Do you hate drinking tea out of anything other than bone china?
I drink everything out of bone china now if I can help it. Cocktails are wonderful in a teacup!
Which area of London do you live in?
I live in Willesden Green, NW2. I’ve been here for 10 years since I moved in with my husband.
How are you inspired by London in your designs?
London is a huge part of my inspiration. I love the city! I moved here from Canada in my early twenties and it’s been a love affair every since.
skull saucer from Melody Rose
Which is your favourite piece?
It’s impossible to pick a favourite piece, I’m always producing new work. Saying that, I’m currently drinking from the upcycled vintage gold teacup with the skull design.
Does anyone famous drink tea from your china?
A few well-known people have bought Melody Rose pieces but whether they use them for tea drinking is a different matter.
What did you do before Melody Rose?
I worked as a freelance project and programme manager on a really diverse range of projects – while developing my designs in my spare time.
How long have you had a stall at Portobello Market?
Just over a year, I set up my first market stall at Portobello in August 2011. Portobello Market has been great for launching Melody Rose. I love getting instant feedback on new designs and seeing right away what works and what doesn’t.
Melanie Roseveare, designer & founder of Melody Rose
What type of tea do you drink?
I like fruit teas best….
Which is your favourite cake?
It’s got to be strawberry cheesecake for me every time!
Who would you love to have a cup of tea with?I’d love to have a cup of tea with Grayson Perry. I’d even share my cheesecake!
Tell us a secret about your business.
It’s so much fun it never feels like work…..ssssshhhh….
Don’t keep this china for best – most of it even goes in the dishwasher.
You’ll find a selection of Melody Rose online at NotOnTheHighStreet.com as well as a list of stockists here.
