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It was in Mayfair, London, in the year 1950 that Halcyon Days opened its doors as a small antique gift shop. However, with time the shop’s main speciality became its luxury enamelled gifts.
The art of enamelling on copper had been particularly popular in the second half of the 18th century. But by the 1830s, it had all but disappeared. And by 1950, enamelling was only used for practical objects like saucepans.
In 1970, Halcyon Days established its manufacturing plant after deciding to revive this artisan trade. Today, in addition to the renowned enamel boxes, there are a variety of luxury Halcyon Days items ranging from English fine bone china to high-end jewellery. Their two workshops in the West Midlands—the centre of the British pottery and enamelling industries— handcraft all items which are marketed all over the world.
What’s the Story Behind the Name?
The name has a rich history, just like the brand. The expression “Halcyon Days” conjures up vividly poetic connotations and entered the contemporary English lexicon through the mouths and hands of some of the greatest storytellers in history.
In the first instalment of his trilogy about Henry VI, written in 1591, Shakespeare made use of the phrase Joan of Arc. The famous Walt Whitman, known as “the father of free verse,” used the line as the subtitle to a poem he wrote in 1891.
But Greek mythology is where we can trace the origins of the expression. Halcyon is derived from Alcyone, Aeolus’s daughter and Ceyx’s wife. After her spouse died in a shipwreck, Alcyone threw herself into the water from grief. Upon seeing this, the gods transformed both husband and wife into halcyon birds (kingfishers).
Alcyone’s seashore nest was in danger from the waves, which eventually destroyed it. But since her father Aeolus had the power to control winds, he silenced them for seven days every year so she could lay her eggs. These are referred to as the “halcyon days” when there are no storms.
Now we use this expression to talk about a period in the past that is remembered as being happy and/or prosperous. And that’s one of the objectives of the brand – to make things that help us remember the good days of the past.
A Prime Example of English Craftsmanship
The company’s master artists and highly talented craftspeople in the West Midlands use methods that have been passed down for generations. If an enameller or potter from the 18th century looked over the shoulder of one of these craftspeople today, they would see very little that was unfamiliar to them.
Everything the company makes is with the conviction that English workmanship should be promoted, treasured, and developed. Its dedicated to fostering sustainable craft practises, generating local jobs, and assisting the UK manufacturing sector. And over the years, Halcyon UK was established as the go-to source for English luxury gifting thanks to the premium selection of enamels, fine bone china, and stylish accessories.
The Making of the Iconic Enameled Boxes
The Halcyon Days enamel boxes have remained a crucial, identity-defining component of the business. The brand has been making the same iconic boxes through changes and expansion, including the addition of new branches and a wider selection of items.
Over the years, the boxes have featured a variety of designs that combine historical and contemporary art. Additionally, special copies have been created to mark occasions like William Wordsworth’s birthday and the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing.
In addition, Halcyon has collaborated with individuals like Ralph Heimans and institutions like the Royal Collection. Along with other artists, the enamel artisans have imitated works by Rembrandt, Churchill, and Frans Xavier Winterhalter.
Before an enamel box leaves the facility, it is handled around one hundred times and put through several different processes. The enamel boxes reflect historical skills thanks to the meticulous procedure, but their diversity and beauty make them ever-fashionable, classic pieces for today, tomorrow, and beyond.
An Enduring Relationship with the British Royal Households
A Royal Warrant of Appointment is a designation given to businesses with a continuing economic relationship who have provided goods or services to the British Royal Households for at least five years. There are three Royal Warrants which until recently belonged to the former Queen Elisabeth II, her husband Philip, and the former Prince of Wales.
Warrants granted in the name of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, became null and void upon his passing in April 2021; however, warrant holders were still allowed to use the Royal Arms and the legend for a further two years. The same thing happened after Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022.
The most senior members of the Royal family issue Royal Warrants of Appointment, as they are officially known, to individuals providing products or services to the household. Suppliers can advertise that they have a warrant by placing a sticker on the bottom of all of their products and packaging. Since the fifteenth century, only selected companies have been given this right.
There are currently about 800 Royal Warrant holders representing a variety of professions and businesses, from lone artisans to big multinational corporations. All Royal Warrant holders share a dedication to providing the best possible service, quality, and excellence. Halcyon Days are one of 14 businesses worldwide to receive all three warrants and the sole provider of Objets d’Art to the Royal family.
Objet d’art, which meant a work of art in its broadest sense in French, has come to mean decorative items other than paintings, prints, major sculptures, and sketches in English. Objets d’art is frequently tiny, intricate objects like carvings, watches, clocks, and enamel boxes, which are more pertinent to our offering.
The brand’s strong connection with the Royal family began during its early beginnings in the 1970s. Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother commissioned Halcyon to create an enamel box featuring Clarence House, her official residence, in 1970.
Queen Elizabeth II further strengthened this relationship. In 1976, she ordered a bespoke enamel box which she gifted to Gerald Ford. As compensation, the President gave Her Majesty another enamel box from the company ordered through Cartier in New York.
