Pottery & porcelain
On Bone china from Foley works, Staffordshire, Shelley marks carry “OLD SÈVRES / SHELLEY CHINA / ENGLAND / REG No 648812”.
Shelley trade mark from 1910; company renamed Shelleys in 1925, incorporated 1929, Shelley China Ltd. 1965. Predecessor Wileman business earlier.
c. 1872–1911
This mark dates to about 1872–1911; registration 115510 dates the shape to 10 December 1888 and 117220 the pattern to 9 January 1889.
earthenware · Longton, England
the registration numbers give the following registration dates: 115510 - 10 Dec 1888 (shape) 117220 - 9 Jan 1889 (pattern)
c. 1872–1911
The Foley China W C & Co c.1872 - 1911
earthenware · Longton, England
c. 1872–1911
This mark dates to about 1872–1911; shape 60650 was registered on 4 November 1886 and pattern 84175 on 17 October 1887.
earthenware · Longton, England
the registration numbers give the following registration dates: 60650 - 4 Nov 1886 (shape) 84175 - 17 Oct 1887 (pattern)
c. 1872–1911
W C & Co standard mark - intertwined W and Co with crown above c.1872 - 1911
earthenware · Longton, England
standard mark - intertwined W and Co with above
c. 1913–1926
Capital lettering and CHINA inside the shield; this form lacks the separate Copyright wording.
printed · Bone china · Foley works, Staffordshire
c. 1913–1926
Upright capital lettering inside the shield, with an added Copyright line.
printed · Bone china · Foley works, Staffordshire
c. From 1915
Named Old Sèvres pattern and floral illustration; registration 648812 belongs to the design registered August 5, 1915.
printed · Bone china · Foley works, Staffordshire
c. 1918–1923
Late Foley Shelley England c.1918 - 1923
earthenware · Longton, England
c. From 1923
Fine Bone China Shelley England c.1923+
earthenware · Longton, England
c. From 1923
This mark dates from about 1923; registration 723404 dates the pattern to 1926.
earthenware · Longton, England
c. 1925–1945
Script Shelley inside a shield, without China or Fine Bone China.
printed · Bone china · Foley works, Staffordshire
c. 1938–1966
Fine Bone China appears above the script shield.
printed · Bone china · Foley works, Staffordshire
Shelley china developed from Wileman & Co., the family business at the Foley works in Staffordshire. Joseph Ball Shelley joined the enterprise in 1862 and became a partner in 1872. His son Percy joined in 1881 and encouraged improvements in materials, decoration and design. The Shelley name began appearing on the pottery in 1910, although the business continued trading as Wileman & Co. until 1925. It became Shelley Potteries Ltd. in 1929.
The factory produced bone china tea and coffee services as well as earthenware, decorative pieces and nursery ware. Frederick Rhead and Walter Slater contributed to the development of its art pottery. Eric Slater later created striking geometric shapes and decoration associated with the early 1930s. Mabel Lucie Attwell’s illustrations appeared on children’s ware, while floral designs and delicately shaped cups remained important parts of the range.
Shelley continued decorated production for export during the Second World War. After the war the business concentrated on china, modernized its works and expanded dinnerware production. In 1965 it adopted the name Shelley China Ltd. Allied English Potteries acquired the company in 1966 and converted the works to Royal Albert production.
Also known as: Shelleys · Shelley China · Shelley Potteries Ltd.; later Shelley China Ltd.
Earlier production at the same works often carries Foley wording or W & Co. Shelley lettering begins in 1910.
Foley was also used by another nearby business. Its lion and E. Brain marks identify that separate maker.
