Received my order for Pimpernel classic black placemats. 
I've used their placemats for the last 40 years, they last a long time when they are cared for.  This is my first set of new placemats since they switched to production in China, (about 6 years ago). What a shock, this product is not worthy of the Pimpernel name. The older English made were sturdy and thin and stayed flat, they had soft rounded edges, with a deep luster and shine to the really smooth, almost flawless surface. Easy to wipe off.  These new ones are thick and clunky, the edges are almost sharp,  you can almost see the lines of cardboard or whatever through the dull, shallow, matte finish. They feel really cheap. Wow, how pimpernel has fallen. Thank you China. I'm only keeping these because I need them for the holiday guests. And I'm buying up as many great vintage sets as I can on line.