Ekco Nova 1967 set of four cups, saucers and side plates. Stackable plastic/melamine taupe brown/grey. David Harman Powell Habitat/Heals/V&A

A super set of 4 Ekco Novaware stackable cups, saucers and side plates (12 pieces). The set was designed by David Harman Powell for Ekco Plastics, Southend on Sea, England, in 1965-1967. The idea was that they could be stored away more efficiently and tidily - they were intended as a 'modern' 1960s dining room set rather than for camping/travel. The set is made of a very rigid and strong and heatproof/thermal plastic/melamine, called styreneacrylonitrile. This range is in the 'grey' colourway, though it's more taupe (grey brown).

The 'Nova' range won the Duke of Edinburgh's Prize for Elegant Design in 1968. The judges especially commended the simplicity of production and the attempts to meet consumer requirements. Designs created an idea of the 1960s kitchen as a small area full of high-tech equipment. Modern-looking, space-saving, and stackable, 'Nova' appealed to designers as well as consumers. The range was retailed through image-conscious design stores like Habitat and Heal's, and was only produced for a few years from 1967-1968.

Some examples of this design worthy range are held in V&A archives: http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O283537/plate-harman-powell-david/ and http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1240547/cup-harman-powell-david/
Please also see this website for more information on this scarce range: http://www.stuffwelove.co.uk/novaware.htm

The cups are 6.5cm tall x 8cm diameter. The have a contrasting white base and inner. The bases are marked with "Designed by D.Harman Powell, Ekco Nova, Patent Applied For".

The saucers are 14.5cm wide, they're all grey, and have a raised middle to hold the cups, and to allow for tight precise stacking. The bases are marked with "Designed by D.Harman Powell, Ekco Nova, Reg Design No."

The side plates are 16.5cm wide, they have contrasting white inner and are more rounded. The bases are marked with "Designed by D.Harman Powell, Ekco Nova, Reg Design No."

No cracks or chips. A few minimal marks. One cup has some internal marks and one has a dark external mark, but that's pretty much all. All excellent condition for age.

Price includes P&P to the UK.