Shelley Chintz: Unlocking the Secrets of the Pattern Books

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Summary: A delight to experience.
Review: I'm not a chintz collector - in fact never heard the term before the book. So what captivated me about this book? Quite apart from its literary worth, Shelley Chintz is quite simply the most physically and esthetically appealing book I ever experienced. The smell of it, the feel of the paper and the impeccable quality of its reproductions. Then there was indeed the content of the book, nicely organized, meticulously researched and reflective of no small amount of detective work - all presented in a writing style embued with the passion the author feels for her subject. Am I going to become a chintz collector? Not likely. But Kelly must feel a great deal of satisfaction in authoring what I suspect is a definitive treatment of this topic. How many of us can say that!!

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Summary: A Wonderful Addition to Collectors of Chintz!!
Review: Kelly Moran's book "Shelley Chintz" is an absolutely beautiful book! Her research on each pattern is detailed and the photographs are incredible! This is one book that every collector of chinz should have in their library. I highly recommend this book!!

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Summary: Shelley Chintz - Unlocking the Secrets of the Pattern Books
Review: Kelly Moran's enthusiasm for all forms of Shelley China jumps out at you from this book as soon as you read the first page. She is clearly in love with the product of Shelley Potteries and this love and enthusiasm is felt right throughout the book.

I first came across Kelly in 1998. She was planning a trip to Australia and in a typically American up-front manner wrote to ask for a list of all the Shelley dealers on the East Coast of Australia. No small ask! But even this trip was part of the foundation of this fine work. When you see this book, you get a better feel for Kelly. Its quality shows that she pays great attention to detail, doesn't accept second best and doesn't know what the word "no" means. How else could she have borrowed so many lovely pieces of Shelley from around the world

Shelley Chintz - Unlocking the Secrets of the Pattern Books is not just another reference book on Shelley products. Certainly there is a lot of great reference material and it has been carefully researched, but this book is more. It is a good read. The photographs are wonderful and clearly illustrate the various Chintz patterns used by Shelley. The black and white photos of Shelley potteries staff give the book depth and human interest. They help to turn this well produced reference work into a book which would be comfortable on the coffee table in any home, waiting for a friend to pick it up and be caught by the Shelley bug.

Kelly has begged and borrowed some beautiful examples of Shelley Chintz to illustrate this high quality work. She even borrowed some of my collection and it is most pleasing to see them professionally photographed.

There are all the old favourite chintz patterns in their various forms, teapots, duos, trios and tea settings as well as a teapot rating system to help us determine the rarer and more valuable pieces. Many of the pieces are rare examples of the various Shelley chintz patterns applied to shapes not often seen. There are numerous examples of Oleander and Ripon, to name but two, together with many photos of chintz applied to the inside of cups. In the few cases where actual examples were not available illustrations from the original pattern books are included. The commentary in relation to each of the Chintz patterns is down to earth and accurate. Kelly is not afraid to express an opinion on the rarity or otherwise of a pattern or particular piece. She has researched each pattern carefully and is in a good position to express those views.

I think that this book is a must for any Shelley collector and will offer many years of joy. I congratulate Kelly on a job well done. This work is a fine addition to our collective Shelley knowledge.

Rating:
Summary: A creative Jewel
Review: No only is this book well written with interesting and informative facts, it is a delight to look at. It is so beautifully put together that you will want to keep it out all the time for everyone to see. One especially nice bonus about the book is that an original piece of chintz "litho" is attached in the front pages of the book. It is wonderful to actually see and touch a part of what it takes to create the flowery china. However, you better be careful because you may fall in love with it like I did and have to start collecting Chintz China for yourself!

Rating:
Summary: A creative jewel!
Review: Not only is this book full of very well written and informative facts, it is so beautifully put together that you will want to keep it out all the time for everyone to see. A very special treat about the book is that it comes with an original piece of chintz "litho" paper attached in the front pages. It is wonderful to actually see a part of what it takes to create this colorful and flowery china and as you read the history and look at the pictures, you will gain a deeper understanding and love for this fun collectible. As a matter of fact, you may get hooked and have to buy some for yourself!

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Summary: WOW - what a Fantastic book!
Review: Romantic Homes Magazine did a review of this book in their October issue, and they called it a "Keepsake". I was doubtful until I got my copy. They were soooo right! The book is printed on heavy paper, with the most stunning photographs ever!! And the photos are huge, nearly life size! I also love the addition of B&W photos of former pottery workers, scattered here and there - gives the book a warm, personal touch. Oh, and there is a sample of REAL CHINTZ LITHOGRAPH PAPER in the very front of the First Edition.Amazing - great coffee tablebook.

Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Addition to Collectors of Chintz!!
Review: The world of Shelley is full of miracles. The SHELLEY CHINTZ BOOK guides us to the colorful pattern of SHELLEY chintz. It's a pleasure to see the brilliant photos of the items which are imageinatively combined with reprints from the the original Pattern Books and the very informative text. The book encloses the period from the beginning of Wileman & Co in 1885 to the end of the SHELLEY company in 1966. The expert knowledge, enthusiasm and passion of the author for her subject of collecting is visible in every detail of the book. Already the cover of the book gives an impression about the utmost care that distinguishes this work. Everyone who is interested in china should know SHELLEY CHINTZ by Kelly L. Moran!

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Summary: Shelley Chintz:Unlocking the Secrets of the Pattern Books
Review: This is one of the best reference books I have ever seen for Shelley Chintz. The pictures are great! Just what is needed for positive identification of chintz patterns for the professional dealer or collector! It is a joy to use! I highly recommend it to any and all Shelley collectors!

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Summary: A Feast For The Eyes
Review: What a treat this book is! Finally---someone has written a reference book that is well organized and seems to anticipate any question that the reader could possibly have. No other book on china has accomplished this until now. All other authors of such books should take lessons from Kelly Moran prior to beginning their project. This book also does not lack for pictures and all of them in full colour. One could travel to the most exotic gardens of the world and not see beauty such as is to be found between the covers of Ms. Moran's offering. Bravo! Well done! And now if you will excuse me, I must get back to the world of flowers, china, and tea that is so delightful in "Shelley Chintz".