Historical information

This object and the complete set of five items is believed to have been made in or around the Staffordshire area in the United Kingdom. Over 1,500 pottery firms have operated in Stoke-on-Trent since the early 1700s - some lasted only a few years, while others endured for well over 200 years. Some potters built and owned their own works. Many others were tenants in works built by others, and a succession of potters occupied the same works. It was also a common practice for a work to be split between two different pottery companies or for a larger manufacturer to let out a smaller section of his works to a potter who would make wares which were not of interest to the potter's works owner.

Some potters purchased 'blanks' from other manufacturers and put their own decoration on them. Some items have two back stamps, some have no marks at all. This adds to the confusion and frustration of trying to trace details of a particular manufacturer, such as the soap dish lid.

Significance

The early-to-mid 20th-century ewer set is an example of items used for personal hygiene in the 19th century.

Physical description

Soap dish lid, cream ironstone with brown flower spray decorations and a looped handle. It is part of a 5-piece set that includes a ewer, bowl, soap dish with its lid, and a brush vase.