From about 1896, the Empire Works, Stoke Rd, Stoke-on-Trent, produced bone china and earthenware. Lazarus & Rosenfeld Ltd, a European ceramics corporation and founders of the Victoria Porcelain Factory in Altrouhlau, Bohemia, acquired the business after WWII (now in the Czech Republic). H. Kaufmann Ltd, a Suffolk-based lawnmower manufacturer, bought the pottery in 1951, and the Qualcast Group bought it in 1958 as part of its acquisition of the Kaufmann Group. The Qualcast Group formed Empire Porcelain Co. Ltd in 1963 as a completely owned subsidiary. Despite full order books, the Empire Works discontinued operations in mid-1967 because it became too impossible to effectively modernise the Empire Works. The Empire Porcelain Co Ltd was a major manufacturer of middle-market household and ornamental earthenware and china. The company created remarkable art deco-style tablewares and significant art deco ornamental goods covered with the drip glaze technique in the late 1920s and 1930s. In the 1940s and 1950s, Chinz-decorated products were made. Collectors are now interested in China oddities and cottage models, as well as other factory items. In addition to the phrase 'Empire' or the complete company name, the company utilised the trade names 'Empire Ware' and 'Shelton Ivory,' which can be seen on most wares from the 1920s and 1930s. The Empire's ornamental products, in particular, are under appreciated and little understood.
Depending on the location, item, and weight, interstate shipping can be arranged and calculated prior purchase.
Dimensions: 150 x 108 x 65H mm (Sauce/Gravy Boat)
282 x 230 x 20H mm (Serving Plate)
Or Email at wakimantiques@hotmail.com
10 Nicholson St, Coburg VIC 3058
Trading Hours: 10AM-6PM (Mon-Sun)