Fortnum meet Mason

I found this fabulous little {quite pricy} bowl a few years ago at a little antique store. 

I love it for Autumn because it has black writing that says Fortnum and Mason of Piccadilly.

We have family with the last name Mason so I think that is why I was drawn to it too!

Well I have been curios to know more about it.

.

Here's the story...

Piccadilly is a fashionable street in London with small boutique shops...

In 1705 Hugh Mason had a small shop in St James market and a spare room in his house. The Fortnum family had come to London from Oxford as high-class builders in the wake of the Great fire, 

helping to establish the St. James's and Mayfair areas as the most fashionable in London.

William climbed another rung by taking a post as footman in Queen Anne's household -and the room at Mr. Mason's.

The Royal Family insistence on having new candles every night meant a lot of half- used wax for enterprising footman to sell on at a profit. So while the Queen's wages paid the rent, William's enlightened sideline melted down enough into enough to start a respectable business.

The rest, as they say is grocery.

Interesting that they are still thriving after all these years... 

Hand washing only for this treasure...

Have a lovely afternoon,

xo,

me