Bing & Groendahl Mother's Day plates – blue-and-white porcelain tradition since 1969
Bing & Groendahl Mother's Day plates are one of those series many recognize immediately. The small blue-and-white plates with animals and their young have been part of Danish porcelain since 1969, and they are still collected, given as gifts and used in many homes.
At DPH - Danish Porcelain House we have handled many Bing & Groendahl Mother's Day plates over the years. We have bought up both private collections and leftover stocks, so we usually have most editions in stock.
This also means that many of the plates can be purchased at quite reasonable prices. So whether you are looking for a specific edition, want to start a collection or just need a small blue-and-white plate for the table, there are good opportunities to find it here.
The world's first Mother's Day plate
Bing & Groendahl was first when the factory in 1969 released the world's first Mother's Day plate. It was designed by Henry Thelander and features a motif of a cocker spaniel with her puppies.
This motif was the beginning of a long tradition. Since then, Bing & Groendahl has released a new Mother's Day plate each year with animals or birds and their young. The motifs change from year to year, but the story is the same: care, closeness and the special bond between mother and child.
It is precisely this simple and recognizable idea that has made the series so popular. The motifs are warm and classic without feeling heavy – and the blue-and-white decoration fits well in many homes.
Mother's Day plates with animals, young ones and motherly care
A Bing & Groendahl Mother's Day plate is a great gift idea if you want to give something with both year, history and use. Many choose a plate from the mother's birth year, a child's birth year or a year that has special meaning in the family.
You can also choose by motif. Over the years, the series has included motifs with dogs, cats, horses, swans, pandas, birds and other animals with their young. This makes it easy to find a plate that fits personally to the recipient.
In this way, the plate becomes more than just porcelain. It can be hung up, displayed or used as a small plate in everyday life.
In Denmark, Mother's Day always falls on the second Sunday in May. The same applies in the USA, while other countries, including Norway and Sweden, celebrate Mother's Day on other dates.
Anniversary plates from Bing & Groendahl
In 1979, Bing & Groendahl celebrated the 10th anniversary of the first Mother's Day plate with a larger anniversary plate. The motif was again a cocker spaniel with puppies, as a nod back to the first plate from 1969.
Since then, anniversary plates have been released every five years. They are larger than the regular Mother's Day plates and are therefore especially beautiful as wall decorations or as part of a larger collection. They are also well suited for the table as small plates.
Released: 10th anniversary
Released: 15th anniversary
Released: 20th anniversary
Released: 25th anniversary
Released: 30th anniversary
Released: 35th anniversary
Released: 40th anniversary
Use Mother's Day plates on the table, wall or in the collection
Bing & Groendahl's Mother's Day plates are not only for collectors. The small blue-and-white plates can be both hung up, displayed and used as small plates in everyday life.
The regular Mother's Day plates measure approximately 15 cm in diameter and have a slightly deep shape, making them suitable for breakfast, cake, dessert, starters, and smaller servings. The motifs are executed in classic blue underglaze, also known from Bing & Groendahl Christmas plates. This means the decoration is protected under the glaze, and the plates can go in the dishwasher. So you are also welcome to eat from Bing & Groendahl Mother's Day plates.
The blue-white decorations also match beautifully with classic sets such as Blue Fluted, Empire, Blue Flower and other blue-painted porcelain series from Bing & Groendahl and Royal Copenhagen.
All Mother's Day plates have hanging holes on the back, making them easy to use as wall decorations. Several editions collected on one wall create a calm and classic expression, where motifs, years, and memories can be combined in a personal way.
You can also use the Mother's Day plates in a cake stand or tiered trays. At DPH - Danish Porcelain House we offer the possibility to have holes drilled in your plates, so you can make your own stand for cake, fruit, tapas, or other small servings.
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