English Sylvac 4815 Cottage Farmhouse Butter Dish Cheese Bell Dome 7"

Description

Vintage late 1970s - early 1980's SylvaC / SylvaCeramics porcelain butter / cheese dish. Rounded rectangular cobblestone underplate with a thatched English cottage shaped lid / dome.

"SylvaC (with a deliberate capital C at the end) is a brand of British ornamental pottery characterised primarily by figurines of animals and Toby Jugs. The business was founded in 1894, at the Drury Works, Normacot Road, by William Shaw and his uncle William Copestake. They gave their names to the fledgling company - Shaw and Copestake. William Copestake retired after four years and Mr. Richard Hull became William Shaw's partner in the business. Richard Hull's son - also named Richard Hull - joined the business in 1924. Following his father's death in 1935 Richard Hall (jnr) became a partner in the business. In 1936 the business became incorporated as a Limited company and Richard Hall (jnr) became joint managing Director. For six years it was under his direction before he retired, whereupon he was succeeded by Richard Hull and was joined on the Board by Eric J. Dennis of the Falcon. Thus the connection of the two firms was already established. In 1938 the directors of Shaw & Copestake acquired the company 'Thomas Lawrance' and the name was changed to Thomas Lawrance (Longton) Limited of the Falcon Pottery, Waterloo Street, Longton. However, the Shaw and Copestake company maintained its original name right up until the end. The name "SylvaC" seems to have been registered by Shaw & Copestake in 1938. Still closer relationship resulted however when, in the War years, the Ministry of Supply took over the Sylvan Works, for the business was transferred to the Falcon Pottery [under the Wartime Concentration Scheme]. This war-time amalgamation proved so satisfactory that it was decided, in 1945, to continue the arrangement on the sales side, while each continued to cater for its own particular market for earthenware 'Fancies'. In 1957, to accompodate both businesses, a new factory was built in Normacot Road, Longton, on land opposite the old Shaw and Copestake factory. At the new premises, the output of the two businesses gradually merged and in 1962 the Thomas Lawrance business was folded into that of Shaw & Copestake. Use of the Falcon Mark of Thomas Lawrence was ceased in 1964. Following the voluntary liquidation of Shaw and Copestake in 1982 the factory and contents were bought by the North Midlands Co-Operative Society and from there they leased it to a workers co-operative society called Longton Ceramics. Production of SylvaC pieces was resumed in 1998 by the current trademark holder Norman Williams. Central to the SylvaC line throughout its history were figurines of animals, and rabbits in particular. Dogs were also popular and virtually every breed ended-up being characterised in pottery. Many variations of Toby Jugs were produced, including 'character' versions which celebrated events or tied into product advertising. Although many colours and glazes were used, most people remember the distinctive orange or green glazes most." (Source: Wikipedia/The Potteries)

Condition

Good Overall - Gentle wear, warping to plate

Dimensions

7.25" x 5.75" x 3.75" (Width x Depth x Height)