Our Story
Hello, I’m Hannah, founder of The Fancy China Company.
What began with a collection of beautiful vintage tea sets has grown into a little business built around two things I love – beautiful, sustainable vintage china and thoughtful gifting.
Tea is more than a drink to me – it's a ritual. Everyone has their own way of taking it, and there's something deeply personal about getting it just right for someone else.
Tea has a way of bringing people together through every kind of moment: happy, sad, or simply a pause to sit, chat or reflect. And when it's served in beautiful china, it becomes an event.
A love passed down
My love of vintage pieces began in childhood.
I grew up with a mother who has a deep passion for antiques and entertaining, and is an avid (and slightly obsessive!) collector of beautiful things with charm and history.
Our home was filled with magical finds from antique fairs and charity shops. Mum's appreciation for the craftsmanship and character of vintage china created my own love for it and, over the years, helped shape my ability to spot something special.
After more than 25 years in a corporate career, I decided it was time to give myself space to reflect, sip, pause and turn that lifelong love of vintage treasures into something I could share with others.
And so The Fancy China Company began.
Gifts that mean something
The idea of thoughtful gifting took on an even deeper meaning for me in January 2026, when my brother Rupert unexpectedly passed away from heart failure.
Rupert and I were incredibly close. He was my soul brother, my rock, and always the first person to defend and shield me from whatever life threw my way. He had also been hugely encouraging of my time away from corporate life and my plans for The Fancy China Company.
After Rupert died, my mum and I were overwhelmed by the kindness people showed us. Our homes filled with cards and dozens of beautiful bouquets. But as the flowers inevitably began to fade, Mum and I found ourselves talking about what else you might give someone who is grieving – something thoughtful that could remain long after the flowers had gone.
That's when the idea of remembrance gift boxes became particularly meaningful.
A vintage tea set can't take away somebody's grief. But it can become a lasting reminder of the person who sent it, the person being remembered, and the simple comfort of taking a moment over a cup of tea.
I've even used one of our gift boxes as a memory box for some of the wonderful cards and messages we received.
Rupert will always be part of the story behind The Fancy China Company. I know he'd be proud to see where it goes.
Giving beautiful things another story
That's really what The Fancy China Company is about.
Every piece of china I choose has already had a life before it reaches me. It has its own history, character and little imperfections. I love the delicate patterns, fine details and craftsmanship of vintage china, and the thought of giving these beautiful pieces another chapter.
Whether it's chosen for a birthday, wedding, new arrival, remembrance or simply because somebody deserves something lovely, I hope every Fancy China gift becomes part of another person's story, bringing moments of comfort, connection and pleasure for years to come.
Thank you for being here. I hope you enjoy browsing the collection as much as I've enjoyed curating it.
Hannah x
