Masons Ironstone

The Christmas Village pattern was created, designed and painted by partners Barbara Marsten and Valentin Mandrajji in 1984. Valentin was an exiled Russian Prince, who married Barbara Marsten and the couple lived in the States. The pattern depicts a traditional family scene, with Father Christmas appearing on his sleigh on most of the pieces. Since the pattern has been designed, the poet Alfred Dorn has written a magical poem inspired by the characters featured, which is now in publishing and is being illustrated by Barbara Marsten.