Historical information
The Grindley Hotel Ware Co Ltd was located in Stoke-on-Trent, England with its business name being registered in May 1908. The product name "Duraline" came into use c1933. From 1932 ware was marked with the month and year of manufacture. Thus the numbers 5-54 underneath this item indicate that it was manufactured in May 1954. Mr. Loftus Henry Moran, born in Winchelsea, Victoria, was well-known in the tea trade, originally working with Griffiths Bros Ltd. He started his own business, Loftus Moran Pty Ltd in 1909. Loftus Moran's company imported chinaware from Britain and sold it into the Australian market. They specialised in supplying to hotels, businesses and institutions.
Significance
This item is representative of chinaware used throughout hospitality venues and public institutions throughout Australia.
Physical description
A white ceramic bowl bearing a red emblem of Victorian Railways. The mark of the maker Grindley Hotel Ware and the Victorian supplier, Loftus & Moran Pty, Ltd is underneath the bowl.
Inscriptions & markings
On front: Victorian Railways
On Back: "DURALINE" /SUPER VITRIFIED/ GRINDLEY HOTELWARE CO./ ENGLAND
LOFTUS MORAN PTY. LTD. / MELBOURNE 5 - 54
Subjects
References
- The Grindley Hotel Ware Co Ltd A detailed history of the Grindley Hotel Ware Co. Ltd
- Advertisement for Duraline Plates An advertisement by Loftus and Moran, Pty. Ltd for Duraline plates. This advertisement was place in the Argus, Melbourne Wed 29 Mar 1933.
