Combining thoughtful design with everyday functionality, the Olio collection by Barber Osgerby for Royal Doulton has been relaunched with updated colours and styles for Spring 2021.
Created to be used day to day, the porcelain tableware range is offered in a restrained palette of black, white and a new celadon blue. Many pieces feature a distinctive unglazed base, which brings a tactile contrast to the smoother glazed surfaces. The result is tableware that feels crafted but remains practical for regular use.
Olio is intentionally eclectic: each item is designed to stand on its own yet also to mix and match effortlessly with other pieces. This flexibility lets users build sets gradually, combine items from different makers, or coordinate with existing crockery in their homes. The collection supports a more personalised, layered table aesthetic rather than a single matching service.
Edward Barber of Barber Osgerby explains that the goal was to make pieces that respond to real life: “People rarely rely on one single set of tableware. They tend to collect items from different places, and those pieces form a curated selection that works together.” The Olio range acknowledges and embraces that lived-in, collected approach.
Jay Osgerby adds that the recent update allowed the designers to refine shapes and highlight materials: “We revisited elements of the collection to perfect the forms and to emphasise tactility. We pared back glazes and refreshed the colours to let the ceramic surfaces speak more clearly.” That focus on material and form gives the collection a quiet, considered presence on the table.
Many of the pieces are designed with subtle sculptural qualities that become visible in everyday settings. For example, the matt-black teapot and carafe have a sculptural silhouette that interacts beautifully with light, creating strong profiles when placed on a windowsill or kitchen shelf. These shapes are as much about function as they are about visual appeal—comfortable to handle and simple to maintain.
The updated colourways, including the soft celadon, bring a contemporary calm to the table. Black offers graphic contrast and a striking, modern look; white provides a clean, neutral backdrop that allows food to remain the focus; and celadon introduces a subtle colour note that pairs easily with both. Together, the three tones encourage layering and mixing across the collection.
Because the collection is designed to be mixed, buyers can choose individual items to complement what they already own or opt to assemble a complete set. This approach reflects contemporary living, where personal taste and practicality often guide choices more than rigid matching. Olio’s pieces are crafted so they sit comfortably alongside other objects in the home, supporting an informal, curated table setting.
The relaunched Olio collection is notable for its careful balance of form, material and everyday usability. It aims to celebrate the tactile qualities of ceramic while remaining durable and appropriate for daily use. Whether selected as standalone pieces, mixed with other items, or purchased as a cohesive set, the collection offers versatility and a refined simplicity that fits many interiors and lifestyles.
AD – PR samples / affiliate links
All images: Helen Powell