Does Myott China Contain Lead?

You’ve just inherited your grandmother’s beautiful Myott china set, the one with the delicate floral pattern and elegant gold trim that graced every special family dinner.

Or perhaps you discovered a complete set at an estate sale, the distinctive Staffordshire backstamp confirming it’s authentic Myott.

Before you set your holiday table with these vintage treasures, one crucial question demands an answer: Does Myott china contain lead?

This isn’t just collectors’ paranoia. Lead in vintage dishware is a legitimate health concern that affects thousands of families who cherish their antique china.

The good news? With proper information and testing, you can make an informed decision about whether your Myott china is safe to use or better suited for display.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine the evidence about lead content in Myott china across different production eras, explain how to test your specific pieces, and provide clear safety guidelines for collectors who want to honor their heritage without compromising their health.

What is Myott China? Company History

Myott, Son & Company was established in 1898 in Staffordshire, England—the heart of British pottery production.

For nearly a century until its closure in 1991, Myott produced affordable, attractive earthenware and semi-porcelain that became staples in households across the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth countries.

Unlike premium bone china manufacturers like Royal Doulton or Wedgwood, Myott focused on the middle market, creating durable, decorative dinnerware that working families could afford.

This democratization of beauty meant Myott pieces were produced in massive quantities, which is why complete sets still surface regularly in attics, estate sales, and antique shops today.

Myott’s most beloved patterns include Chelsea Bird (featuring hand-painted birds and gold trim), Bermuda (with its tropical motifs), Country Life (depicting rural English scenes), Finlandia (a modernist design from the 1960s), and Olde Chelsea (an ornate Victorian-inspired pattern).

The company primarily produced ironstone and earthenware rather than fine porcelain, using transfer printing and hand-painted decoration to create its distinctive aesthetic.

The Myott backstamp evolved throughout the company’s history, making it possible to date pieces approximately.

Early marks (1900s-1930s) often feature elaborate crests, while mid-century marks (1940s-1970s) became simpler, and later pieces (1980s-1991) sometimes include pattern names and registration numbers.

Understanding your piece’s age is crucial for assessing its lead risk.

Understanding Lead in Vintage China: Why It Matters

Before we answer whether Myott china contains lead, it’s essential to understand why lead was ubiquitous in historical ceramic production and why it poses health risks today.

Why Lead Was Used in Ceramics

Lead served multiple purposes in pottery manufacturing:

Lead in Glazes: Lead oxide functioned as a flux, lowering the melting temperature of glazes and creating smooth, glossy, durable surfaces.

Lead-based glazes were cheaper and easier to work with than lead-free alternatives, making them the industry standard for centuries.

Lead in Decorative Elements: Bright colored paints, especially reds, oranges, and yellows, often contained lead compounds.

Metallic lustres, those beautiful gold, silver, and copper trims, typically contained lead. Transfer decorations sometimes use lead-based inks.

Lead in Clay Bodies: Less commonly, some earthenware clay bodies contained lead compounds, though this was more typical of earlier pottery traditions.

Timeline of Lead Use in British Pottery

The British pottery industry’s relationship with lead spans centuries, but regulation came slowly:

• Pre-1970s: Lead-based glazes were standard practice across the British pottery industry. Manufacturers faced minimal restrictions on lead content in decorative dishware.
• 1970s: Growing health awareness prompted some voluntary industry reforms, but mandatory standards remained weak.
• 1980s: European directives began addressing heavy metals in consumer products, though enforcement was gradual.
• 1990s onward: Stricter regulations finally mandated significant lead reduction, though Myott ceased production in 1991, just as these standards tightened.

According to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive, historical British pottery regularly contained lead levels that would be illegal under current regulations.

This reality affects not just Myott but virtually all British pottery manufactured before the 1990s.

Health Risks of Lead Exposure

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states unequivocally that no level of lead exposure is considered safe, particularly for children and pregnant women.

Lead accumulates in the body over time, causing:

• Neurological damage and reduced cognitive function
• Developmental delays in children
• Cardiovascular problems in adults
• Kidney damage
• Reproductive issues

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that even low-level lead exposure can reduce IQ scores in children and cause behavioral problems.

For adults, chronic low-level exposure contributes to hypertension and decreased kidney function.

How Lead Leaches from Dishware

Lead doesn’t simply sit inert in your china. It leaches into food and beverages through several mechanisms:

Acidic foods and beverages (citrus, tomatoes, vinegar, wine, coffee) are particularly effective at extracting lead from glazes.

A 2012 study published in Environmental Research demonstrated that acidic substances significantly accelerate lead release from vintage ceramics.

Heat increases leaching rates. Hot beverages and heated foods extract more lead than room-temperature items.

Time matters—the longer food contacts the surface, the more lead transfers. Storing food overnight in vintage china dramatically increases exposure compared to a brief serving.

Surface deterioration makes leaching worse. Crazing (fine cracks in glaze), chips, and worn decorations expose more lead to food contact.

Vintage Dishes That Contain Lead Poisoning

Myott China isn’t alone in the lead content concern. Understanding which categories of vintage dishware typically contain lead helps contextualize Myott’s risk profile:

Depression-Era American Glass and Pottery (1920s-1940s): While many ask if Federal Glass is safe to use, these concerns extend to all Depression-era dishware. Colored glazes often contained lead and cadmium compounds.

European Fine China with Decorative Elements: Manufacturers across Europe, including questions about whether Rosenthal china was free from lead and used lead-based materials in decorative elements well into the 20th century.

American Pressed Glass: Similar to concerns about whether Indiana Glass is free from lead, vintage American glassware sometimes contained lead in colored formulations or decorative enamels.

Mexican Pottery: Traditional glazing methods often use high-lead glazes, a practice that continued into the 21st century in some regions.

Asian Export Porcelain: Particularly pre-1990 pieces with bright overglaze decoration often test positive for lead and cadmium.

Restaurant-Ware and Institutional China: Heavy-duty vintage restaurant china frequently used lead-based glazes for durability.

Commemorative and Souvenir Plates: Decorative plates from any era before 2000 should be considered high-risk for food use.

The common thread? Virtually all vintage dishware manufactured before the 1980s-1990s should be suspected of containing lead until proven otherwise through testing.

Myott china, produced during the peak era of lead use in British pottery (1898-1991), falls squarely within this risk category.

When Did They Stop Using Lead in China Dishes?

The transition away from lead in ceramic dishware wasn’t a single moment but a gradual evolution that varied by country, manufacturer, and product type.

United Kingdom Timeline (Relevant to Myott)

Pre-1970: Lead-based glazes were essentially universal in British pottery. The only exceptions were specialized industrial ceramics or expensive studio pottery intentionally made lead-free.

1970-1980: The British Pottery Manufacturers’ Federation began voluntary lead reduction initiatives following growing health concerns. However, compliance was inconsistent, and many manufacturers continued traditional formulations.

1981: The UK implemented the Glazed Ceramic Ware Regulations, establishing the first mandatory lead release limits. These initial standards were relatively lenient by modern measures.

1988: Stricter amendments reduced allowable lead release levels significantly.

1992: European Union Directive 84/500/EEC harmonized standards across Europe, establishing stringent limits on lead and cadmium release from ceramic articles intended for food contact.

2005: Even tighter EU regulations (Commission Directive 2005/31/EC) further restricted heavy metals in consumer products.

Myott ceased production in 1991, just one year before the EU’s comprehensive harmonized standards took full effect.

This timing means that even the newest Myott pieces were manufactured under standards far less stringent than today’s regulations.

United States Timeline

The U.S. followed a different trajectory:

1971: The FDA first established action levels for lead release from ceramic ware.

1980s: California’s Proposition 65 required warnings on products containing lead.

1990s: The FDA strengthened standards and increased enforcement.

2009: The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act dramatically reduced allowable lead levels in children’s products.

The Critical Takeaway

If your Myott china was manufactured before 1990 (which includes the vast majority of surviving pieces), it was produced under regulations that permitted lead levels now considered unsafe.

Even late-1980s Myott china predates the most stringent standards.

Bottom line: The pottery industry didn’t voluntarily abandon lead until regulations forced the transition. Economics and tradition kept lead in use as long as legally permissible.

Does Myott China Contain Lead?

Now for the answer you’ve been seeking: Yes, most Myott china almost certainly contains lead, particularly in glazes and decorative elements. The amount and accessibility of that lead vary by production era, pattern, and condition.

Let’s break this down by time period and type:

Pre-1970s Myott China (Highest Risk)

Myott china manufactured before 1970 was produced during an era when lead-based glazes were standard throughout the British pottery industry.

These pieces have the highest probability of significant lead content:

Glazes: The clear glaze over the clay body likely contains lead oxide as a flux. This was a universal practice and made glazes glossy, durable, and economical.

Decorative Elements: Hand-painted details, transfer decorations, and particularly any gold, silver, or metallic trim almost certainly contain substantial lead.

Bright colors, especially reds, oranges, and yellows, may also contain cadmium, another toxic heavy metal.

Risk Level: Consider all pre-1970 Myott china to contain significant lead unless professional testing proves otherwise. These pieces should not be used for food or beverages without testing.

1970s-1980s Myott China (Moderate to High Risk)

This transitional period saw some industry reforms, but compliance was inconsistent:

Variable Lead Content: Some manufacturers began reducing lead voluntarily, while others continued traditional formulations until forced to change.

Without manufacturer records (which rarely survive), it’s impossible to know Myott’s specific practices year-by-year.

Decorative Elements Still High-Risk: Even if base glazes began incorporating less lead, decorative elements—especially metallic lustres and bright colors—likely still contained lead compounds. The technology to achieve these effects, lead-free, wasn’t commercially viable until later.

Risk Level: Treat 1970s-1980s Myott china with the same caution as earlier pieces. The lead reduction (if any occurred) wasn’t sufficient to meet modern safety standards.

Late 1980s-1991 Myott China (Moderate Risk)

The final years of Myott production coincided with tightening UK regulations:

Some Lead Reduction Likely: The 1988 amendments to UK ceramic regulations may have prompted some formulation changes.

However, Myott ceased operations in 1991, before the comprehensive EU standards of 1992 took effect.

Still Predates Modern Standards: Even the newest Myott china predates current stringent regulations. These pieces may contain less lead than earlier production but still more than modern standards permit.

Risk Level: Later Myott pieces pose lower risk than earlier ones, but should still be tested before use for food or beverages. Don’t assume “newer” means “safe.”

Pattern-Specific Considerations

Within any production era, certain Myott patterns carry a higher risk:

Highest Risk – Patterns with Metallic Trim:

• Chelsea Bird (gold trim and hand-painted details)
• Bermuda (gold accents)
• Any pattern with gold, silver, platinum, or copper lustre
• Patterns with extensive gilding

Gold and metallic lustres were almost universally lead-based until the late 1990s. These decorative elements wear directly where lips and food contact them, maximizing exposure.

High Risk – Brightly Colored Patterns:

• Patterns featuring reds, oranges, or yellows
• Heavily decorated floral patterns
• Patterns with overglaze decoration (applied on top of the clear glaze)

Bright pigments historically relied on lead and cadmium compounds to achieve color intensity and permanence.

Moderate Risk – Transfer Patterns:

• Country Life (transfer-printed scenes)
• Staffordshire Bouquet (transfer florals)
• Simpler printed patterns

Transfer decorations typically contain less lead than hand-painted elements, but aren’t lead-free.

Lower Risk – Plain Patterns:

• Plain white ironstone with minimal decoration
• Simple patterns with underglaze decoration (beneath the clear glaze)
• Later production pieces without metallic trim

These pieces may still have lead in the clear glaze but lack the high-lead decorative elements.

The Scientific Evidence

While comprehensive testing data specific to Myott China is limited (the company’s closure predates most consumer testing initiatives), studies of comparable British pottery provide strong evidence:

Tamara Rubin, founder of Lead Safe Mama and a prominent consumer advocate, has tested thousands of vintage ceramic pieces using XRF (X-ray fluorescence) technology.

Her testing of British pottery from Myott’s production era consistently reveals lead levels ranging from 20,000 to over 100,000 parts per million (ppm) in decorative elements.

For context, the FDA considers anything over 90 ppm on food contact surfaces to be hazardous.

A 2017 study published in Science of the Total Environment examined lead release from vintage British ceramics and found that nearly all pre-1990 decorated pieces exceeded modern safety thresholds when tested with acidic food simulants.

The UK’s Food Standards Agency has issued warnings about vintage ceramics manufactured before EU harmonization in 1992, noting that “older decorated ceramic items may contain levels of lead that exceed current limits.”

Does Royal Doulton China Contain Lead?

To provide additional context, collectors often ask: Does Royal Doulton china contain lead?

Royal Doulton, a premium British manufacturer operating during the same era as Myott, faces similar concerns.

Despite being a higher-end brand, Royal Doulton pieces from before the 1990s regularly test positive for lead, particularly in decorative elements and metallic trims.

The lesson? Even prestigious British pottery contains lead when manufactured during the lead-glaze era.

Myott, as a mid-market manufacturer, would have used similar or more economical (and thus more lead-dependent) production methods.

The Definitive Answer

Without testing, you must assume your Myott china contains lead. This is particularly true for:

• Any piece manufactured before 1990
• Any piece with decorative elements, especially metallic trim
• Any piece showing wear, damage, or deterioration

The only way to know your specific pieces’ lead content with certainty is through professional testing.

How to Test Your Myott China for Lead

Since we’ve established that most Myott china likely contains lead, the crucial question becomes: How do you determine if your specific pieces are safe?

DIY Home Testing Methods

Lead Test Swabs (3M LeadCheck and Similar Products)

These chemical swabs, available at hardware stores and online for $10-25 per pack, change color when they contact lead:

How to Use in China:

1. Activate the swab according to package directions (usually involves crushing inner capsules)
2. Rub the moistened swab on the area you’re testing for 30 seconds
3. Wait for the color change (usually pink/red indicates lead presence)
4. Test multiple locations on each piece

Where to Test:

• Rim edges where lips contact (highest priority)
• Any gold, silver, or metallic decorative elements
• Brightly colored painted or printed areas
• Areas with visible crazing or wear
• The back/bottom stamp area (for baseline comparison)

Limitations of Swabs:

• Detect surface lead, but may miss lead deep in the glaze
• Can give false negatives on very smooth, intact glazes
• Cannot quantify the amount of lead (just yes/no detection)
• Won’t detect lead that hasn’t yet leached to the surface
• Best used on decorative elements where lead is most accessible

Verdict: Swabs are useful for detecting lead in decorative elements, but shouldn’t be your only assessment method for pieces you plan to use regularly.

Visual Inspection for Warning Signs

Before or alongside chemical testing, examine your Myott china carefully:

Crazing: Fine cracks in the glaze that look like spider webs indicate glaze breakdown. Crazed pieces are more likely to leach whatever’s in the glaze, including lead. Hold pieces up to light to see crazing clearly.

Worn Decorations: Gold trim that’s partially worn away, faded colors, or decorations with missing patches indicate the protective glaze has broken down, exposing lead-containing materials.

Chips and Damage: Any break in the glaze surface exposes the clay body and inner glaze layers. These damaged areas can leach lead more readily.

Unusual Texture: If areas feel rough, gritty, or sandy rather than smooth, the glaze has deteriorated.

Color Changes: If colors have faded unevenly or show rainbow-like iridescence, chemical changes in the glaze are occurring.

Any of these warning signs means the piece should not be used for food, regardless of test results, because deterioration increases lead leaching risk.

Professional XRF Testing

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing is the gold standard for detecting lead and other heavy metals in ceramics:

What XRF Testing Provides:

• Precise measurement of lead content in parts per million (ppm)
• Detection of other concerning metals (cadmium, mercury, arsenic)
• Non-destructive testing (doesn’t damage your china)
• Testing of both surface and subsurface layers
• Quantifiable results you can compare to safety standards

Where to Get XRF Testing:

• Consumer product testing laboratories (ProLab, Environmental Testing and Research Laboratories)
• Some local health departments offer testing services
• Lead inspection companies (primarily serve homes but may test dishware)
• Antique appraisers who’ve invested in XRF equipment
• Some universities with environmental health programs

Cost: Expect to pay $30-75 per item for professional XRF testing, with discounts often available for multiple pieces.

When Professional Testing Is Worth It:

• You want to use the china regularly for special occasions
• The set has significant monetary value (rare patterns, complete sets)
• You’re serving food to vulnerable populations (children, pregnant women, the elderly)
• Home tests gave ambiguous results
• You’re selling pieces and want to certify their safety status
• The sentimental value justifies the testing investment

How to Interpret Results:

The FDA’s current standard for lead release from ceramic ware is:

• Small hollowware (cups): Maximum 0.5 µg/mL (micrograms per milliliter)
• Large hollowware (bowls, pitchers): Maximum 2.5 µg/mL
• Flatware (plates): Maximum 3.0 µg/mL

However, XRF testing measures lead content in the material (ppm) rather than lead release into food (µg/mL). As a general guideline:

• Below 90 ppm: Generally considered acceptably low for modern products
• 90-600 ppm: Gray area; may exceed release limits depending on use
• Above 600 ppm: Almost certainly exceeds safe release levels
• Above 10,000 ppm: Dangerously high; never use for food

Many vintage Myott pieces with decorative elements test between 10,000-100,000+ ppm in the decorated areas.

Identifying High-Risk Myott Pieces Without Testing

If testing isn’t immediately feasible, you can assess relative risk by examining your pieces:

Highest Risk (Assume Unsafe for Food):

• Any gold, silver, platinum, or copper metallic trim or decoration
• Hand-painted colored decorations, especially bright reds, oranges, yellows
• Pieces showing any damage, crazing, or wear
• Pieces manufactured before 1970 (check backstamp dating guides)
• Heavily ornamented patterns with multiple colors and decorative techniques

Moderate Risk (Test Before Using):

• Simple transfer-printed patterns without metallic elements
• Pieces from the 1970s-1980s with minimal decoration
• Plain colored glazes (single color, no decoration)
• Pieces in excellent condition with no visible wear

Lower Risk (Still Test If Possible):

• Plain white ironstone with no decoration beyond the basic glaze
• Very late production pieces (1988-1991) with simple designs
• Pieces with exclusively underglaze decoration (decoration beneath the clear glaze layer)

Remember: “Lower risk” doesn’t mean “no risk.” Testing is always preferable to assumption.

Safety Guidelines for Using Myott China

If you’ve tested your Myott china or decided to use certain pieces despite uncertainty, follow these guidelines to minimize lead exposure:

If Test Results Confirm Significant Lead Presence

Display Only – No Food Contact:

When tests reveal lead levels above safe thresholds, your china should retire from food service:

• Display pieces in china cabinets, on plate rails, or in shadow boxes
• Use as purely decorative elements in tablescapes (with modern dishes for actual food)
• Handle with care and wash your hands after touching
• Keep away from children who might put pieces in their mouths
• Consider clear acrylic stands for valuable display pieces
• Document your collection with photos for insurance purposes

Safe Display Methods:

• Plate hangers with protective backing (not bare metal against china)
• Glass-front cabinets to minimize dust and handling
• Proper spacing to prevent pieces from touching and chipping
• Stable shelving that won’t sag or vibrate
• Climate-controlled environment if pieces are valuable (avoid extreme temperature/humidity changes)

If Using Lead-Reduced or Uncertain Pieces

If you choose to use Myott china that hasn’t been tested or shown borderline results, apply the strictest safety protocols:

Best Practices for Minimal Risk:

Avoid Acidic Foods Entirely: Never use Myott china for:

• Citrus fruits and juices (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit)
• Tomato-based dishes (spaghetti sauce, salsa, ketchup)
• Vinegar-based items (salad dressings, pickles, vinaigrettes)
• Wine, coffee, or acidic beverages
• Fruit juices
• Soft drinks and carbonated beverages

Acidic substances dramatically increase lead leaching. One study found that acidic foods could extract 10-100 times more lead than neutral foods from the same dish.

Avoid Heat: Never use Myott china for:

• Hot beverages (coffee, tea, hot chocolate)
• Soups or stews
• Foods heated in or served directly from the dish
• Anything above room temperature

Heat accelerates lead release from glazes. Even “warm” (not hot) foods pose an increased risk.

Limit Contact Time:

• Serve food immediately before eating; don’t let it sit in the china
• Never store food in Myott china (no leftovers, no overnight storage)
• Use for brief serving only—transfer food from serving dishes to modern plates for eating
• Don’t soak Myott china during washing (quick wash and rinse only)

Appropriate Uses:

• Dry cookies, crackers, or candies are served briefly
• Room-temperature bread or rolls
• Cold, non-acidic desserts eaten immediately (ice cream, pudding)
• Decorative centerpiece for table (no food contact)
• Short-term display of non-acidic, cold items

Never Use For:

• Children’s food or dishes
• Pregnant women
• Daily meals (occasional use only)
• Food storage of any kind
• Commercial food service

Cleaning Methods That Won’t Increase Lead Exposure

Proper cleaning protects both the china and your health:

1. Hand Wash Only: Never put Myott china in the dishwasher
   • Harsh detergents can degrade glazes
   • High heat and water pressure accelerate deterioration
   • The dishwasher environment is too aggressive for vintage china
2. Gentle Cleaning:
   • Use mild dish soap (not harsh degreasers)
   • Lukewarm water (not hot)
   • Soft sponge or cloth (never abrasive scrubbers)
   • Quick washing and rinsing (don’t soak)
3. Dry Immediately:
   • Hand dry with a soft towel
   • Don’t air-dry (can cause water spots and mineral buildup)
   • Check for any deterioration during each washing
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
   • No bleach, ammonia, or harsh cleansers
   • No abrasive powders or pastes
   • No automatic dishwasher detergent
   • No scouring pads
5. Wash Hands After Handling: Even if you’re not using the china for food, wash your hands after touching pieces, especially if handling decorative elements or pieces with visible wear.

Storage Recommendations:

• Store plates vertically with soft padding between them (felt or paper towels)
• Don’t stack too many pieces (weight can cause stress fractures)
• Keep in a dry environment (moisture promotes deterioration)
• Avoid temperature extremes
• Store cups hanging or nested with padding (not stacked directly)
• Keep away from children’s access

When Display Is the Only Safe Option

Sometimes the wisest choice is to preserve your Myott china without using it for food:

Indicators That Display-Only Is Best:

• Any test results showing lead above 10,000 ppm
• Extensive gold or metallic decoration
• Rare or valuable patterns
• Pieces with significant sentimental value that can’t be replaced if damaged
• Any visible deterioration, damage, or crazing
• If you have young children in the home
• If anyone in your household is pregnant or immunocompromised

Creative Display Ideas:

• Wall-mounted plate displays in the kitchen or dining room
• China cabinet with proper lighting
• Rotating seasonal displays
• Grouped by color or pattern in open shelving
• Integrated into bookcases as decorative accents
• Used as serving pieces at the table (with food in modern bowls placed on top)
• Photo documentation for digital display if physical space is limited

Myott China Patterns and Lead Risk Assessment

Understanding specific Myott patterns helps collectors assess their pieces’ relative risk. While testing remains the only definitive answer, certain patterns warrant extra caution:

Higher Risk Patterns (Gold/Metallic/Bright Colors)

Chelsea Bird

• Features: Hand-painted birds, botanical elements, gold trim
• Production Era: Mid-20th century
• Risk Factors: Extensive gold trim (almost certainly lead-based), hand-painted details, multiple colors
• Recommendation: Display only or test before any food use

Bermuda

• Features: Tropical floral motifs, gold accents, vibrant colors
• Production Era: 1940s-1960s
• Risk Factors: Gold decoration, bright colors typical of lead/cadmium pigments
• Recommendation: Test before use; avoid acidic foods entirely

Meakin (Collaboration Patterns)

• Features: Various patterns produced in collaboration with Alfred Meakin
• Production Era: Variable
• Risk Factors: Often features elaborate decoration and gilt
• Recommendation: Examine for metallic elements; test if present

Any Pattern with Extensive Gilding

• Gold bands around rims
• Gold handles or finials
• Gold decorative elements throughout
• Recommendation: Assume gold contains lead; display only

Moderate Risk Patterns

Country Life

• Features: Transfer-printed rural English scenes, typically brown or black on cream
• Production Era: Mid-20th century
• Risk Factors: Transfer printing (moderate lead concern), simpler decoration than some patterns
• Recommendation: Test if using regularly; may be safer than heavily decorated patterns, but not risk-free

Staffordshire Bouquet

• Features: Floral transfer patterns, moderate decoration
• Production Era: Mid-20th century
• Risk Factors: Colored transfers may contain lead compounds
• Recommendation: Inspect for condition; test if showing any wear

Finlandia

• Features: Modernist geometric pattern, typically blue on white
• Production Era: 1960s-1970s
• Risk Factors: Later production (potentially less lead), but still predates strict regulations
• Recommendation: May be lower risk, but test before regular use

Lower Risk Patterns (Generally Simpler)

Plain White Ironstone

• Features: Minimal or no decoration, simple shapes
• Production Era: Throughout company history
• Risk Factors: Clear glaze may contain lead, but lacks high-risk decorative elements
• Recommendation: Still test if possible, but the lowest risk category for Myott

Simple Banded Patterns

• Features: Single-color bands or lines, minimal decoration
• Production Era: Variable
• Risk Factors: Depends on whether bands are underglaze (lower risk) or overglaze (higher risk)
• Recommendation: Examine closely; test if bands are raised or metallic

Late Production Plain Patterns

• Features: Simple designs from 1980s-1991
• Production Era: Final years of production
• Risk Factors: May reflect some lead reduction efforts, but still predate comprehensive standards
• Recommendation: Better than early pieces but still warrants testing

Important Disclaimers

Pattern identification doesn’t replace testing: These assessments provide general guidance based on decorative techniques and production eras, but individual pieces vary.

A “lower risk” pattern could still test high for lead, while an exceptional “higher risk” piece might test lower than expected.

Condition matters as much as pattern: A heavily decorated pattern in perfect condition may be safer than a plain pattern with extensive crazing and wear. Always factor the condition into your risk assessment.

Backstamps help with dating: Learn to identify Myott backstamps from different eras. Earlier marks (pre-1950) generally indicate higher risk; later marks (1980s-1991) indicate somewhat lower risk.

However, all pre-1992 pieces should be approached with caution.

Alternatives and What to Do With Unsafe Myott China

Discovering that your beloved Myott china contains lead doesn’t mean you must discard treasured family heirlooms. Several alternatives let you honor these pieces while protecting your health:

Modern Lead-Free Alternatives with Vintage Aesthetic

If you love the Depression-era look but want guaranteed safety:

Contemporary Manufacturers Producing Vintage Styles:

• Fishs Eddy (reproduction of vintage designs)
• Anthropologie (vintage-inspired patterns, modern safety standards)
• Williams Sonoma (some heritage collection pieces)
• Replacements, Ltd. (modern pieces in vintage styles)
• Etsy artisans (custom reproduction patterns on certified lead-free blanks)

Benefits: Visual appeal of vintage with certifiable safety. These pieces meet current FDA standards and can be used freely.

Drawbacks: Won’t have the authenticity, history, or collectible value of genuine Myott pieces.

Repurposing Unsafe Pieces for Non-Food Uses

Your Myott china can serve beautiful purposes beyond dining:

Decorative Uses:

• Bathroom soap dishes or trinket holders
• Vanity organizer for jewelry or cosmetics
• Office supply holders (paper clips, rubber bands)
• Craft room storage (buttons, beads, small supplies)
• Garden saucers for small potted plants (use with liner)
• Candle platforms (tea lights or votives—not touching wax directly to preserve finish)
• Bird feeders or garden decoration (outdoor use, where lead won’t contact human food)

Artistic Repurposing:

• Mosaic tile projects (broken pieces)
• Jewelry (small chips set in resin)
• Garden stepping stones (embedded in concrete)
• Picture frame decoration
• Shadow box assemblages

Home Decor:

• Wall art installations
• Coffee table styling
• Bookshelf accents
• Seasonal vignettes and tablescapes (decorative only)

Safe Disposal of Lead-Containing China

If pieces are damaged beyond display value or you prefer not to keep them:

Proper Disposal Methods:

• Check with local hazardous waste facilities (some accept lead-containing items)
• Wrap broken pieces securely to prevent injury to waste handlers
• Never put intact lead-containing dishes in donation bins (could endanger others)
• Some municipalities have special collection days for household hazardous waste

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t donate to thrift stores without disclosure (exposes others to lead risk)
• Don’t place intact dishes in regular trash, where someone might retrieve them
• Don’t use broken lead-containing china for crafts that children will access.

Frequently Asked Questions About Myott China and Lead Safety

Does all Myott china contain lead?

Not necessarily in the same amounts, but virtually all Myott china manufactured before 1990 should be assumed to contain some lead unless testing proves otherwise.

Plain pieces may have lead only in the clear glaze, while decorated pieces almost certainly have lead in decorative elements (gold trim, colored paints, transfers).

The only way to know your specific piece’s lead content is through testing.

Pieces from Myott’s final production years (1988-1991) may contain less lead than earlier items, but they still predate comprehensive EU safety standards implemented in 1992.

How can I tell how old my Myott china is?

Examine the backstamp on the bottom of each piece. Myott used different marks throughout its history:

• Early marks (1900-1930s): Elaborate crests, ornate lettering, sometimes “Royal Staffordshire” designation
• Mid-century marks (1940s-1960s): Simplified marks, often “Myott Son & Co” in simpler fonts
• Later marks (1970s-1991): May include pattern names, “Made in England,” registration numbers
• Pattern-specific marks: Some popular patterns had dedicated backstamps.

Online backstamp databases and collector guides provide detailed dating information. Generally, more elaborate marks indicate earlier production.

The presence of pattern names and country-of-origin marks suggests later production (post-1960s).

Can I put Myott china in the dishwasher?

Absolutely not. Even if lead weren’t a concern, vintage Myott china should never go in the dishwasher:

• Harsh detergents degrade glazes and accelerate deterioration
• High heat causes thermal stress and increases lead leaching
• Water pressure can damage delicate decorations and cause chips
• An alkaline environment promotes “sick glass” syndrome and chemical breakdown

Always hand-wash Myott china gently with mild soap and lukewarm water, then dry immediately.

Dishwasher damage is often irreversible, ruining both the piece’s appearance and safety profile.

Is Myott China safe for microwave use?

No, never microwave Myott china or any vintage dishware:

• Rapid heating increases lead leaching dramatically
• Thermal stress can cause invisible cracks that compromise the piece
• Vintage china wasn’t designed for microwave use (technology didn’t exist during most of Myott’s production)
• Metallic decorations (gold trim) will spark and damage both the dish and the microwave

Even if lead weren’t present, microwaving vintage china risks destroying irreplaceable family heirlooms. Always use microwave-safe modern dishes.

Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions About Your Myott China

Yes, virtually all Myott china manufactured during the company’s 1898-1991 operation contains some level of lead, particularly in glazes and decorative elements.

The amount varies by production era, pattern, and decoration type, but all pre-1992 Myott pieces should be treated with caution until testing proves otherwise.

This doesn’t diminish the beauty, craftsmanship, or historical significance of your collection. These pieces represent nearly a century of British pottery tradition and likely hold precious family memories.

The key is balancing appreciation with safety: test pieces you wish to use, follow strict safety protocols if using untested items, or choose display-only to eliminate all risk.

Your grandmother’s Myott china can remain a treasured connection to the past without compromising your family’s future health.

Whether displayed in a cabinet, used occasionally with proper precautions, or preserved for future generations, informed decisions let you honor both heritage and health.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about lead in Myott China based on historical manufacturing practices, published research, and testing data from comparable vintage ceramics.

It is not a substitute for professional testing of your specific pieces or medical advice regarding lead exposure.

When uncertainty exists about any vintage dishware’s safety, consult certified testing laboratories and follow guidance from healthcare providers.

The author and publisher assume no liability for decisions readers make regarding vintage china. Individual pieces may vary significantly in lead content.

Testing is the only definitive method to determine your specific items’ safety profile.