Soho Pottery Archive

Solian Ware, Ambassador Ware, and Chanticleer Ware

Established 1904 - Fine English Earthenware from Tunstall and Cobridge

Soho Pottery Archive

Solian Ware, Ambassador Ware, and Chanticleer Ware

Established 1904

Fine English Earthenware

from Tunstall and Cobridge

Soho Pottery Heritage

Soho Pottery Ltd., established in the early 20th century in Tunstall, Staffordshire, was a notable producer of earthenware and semi-porcelain. The company later operated from the Elder Works in Cobridge, part of the historic Stoke-on-Trent pottery region.

From its early production through its years at the Cobridge works, Soho Pottery produced a range of decorative wares under brands including Solian Ware, Ambassador Ware, and Chanticleer Ware. These lines reflect the design and manufacturing style of mid-20th century Staffordshire ceramics.

Solian Ware by Soho Pottery

Solian Ware, introduced around the late 1920s or 1930s, is one of Soho Pottery’s best-known earthenware lines. Produced at the Elder Works in Cobridge, it is known for its bright white body, refined finish, and decorative patterns.

This line included a variety of designs, such as the ā€œGeorgianā€ pattern, which drew on Georgian-style decorative motifs, often incorporating floral elements and ornate borders. These pieces were popular for both everyday use and more formal table settings.

Today, Solian Ware remains collectible, with value depending on condition, rarity, and pattern.

Ambassador Ware and Export Production

Ambassador Ware was another decorative line produced at the Soho Pottery, often featuring detailed border designs and, in some cases, cobalt and gilt decoration.

Many of these wares were exported to North America and marketed through importers such as Fondeville & Van Iderstine. As a result, similar or identical pieces may be found with different backstamps, reflecting their distribution through overseas retail channels rather than differences in manufacture.

Chanticleer Ware Collection

The Chanticleer Ware line reflects Soho Pottery’s work in decorative semi-porcelain. Produced at the Cobridge works, these pieces demonstrate the company’s approach to pattern design and mass production during the mid-20th century.

For more detailed information about Soho Pottery Co. (Ltd) and its history, click here.

Featured Pieces

Georgian Solian Ware 12-inch plate, red with gold gilding and floral pattern, vintage earthenware.

Marking:

Soho Pottery Ltd.

Cobridge England

Ambassador Ware

England

Reg U.S. Patent Off. 5267A

Soho Pottery Ambassador Ware demitasse cups and saucers, green and red with gold gilding and floral design.

Marking:

Georgian

Solian Ware

Soho Pottery Ltd.

Cobridge

England

67A

Soho Pottery Ambassador Ware square dish plate, multicolor floral pattern with blue, red, green, and gold accents, vintage collectible.

Marking:

Soho Pottery

Ambassador Ware

England

5264A

Georgian Solian Ware 9 1/2-inch plate, cobalt blue with gold gilding and floral pattern, vintage earthenware.

Marking:

Solian Ware

Soho Pottery Ltd.

Cobridge Engd

5267

SOLIAN WARE

Identifying Soho Pottery Marks

Visual References of Various Factory Stamps

Textual References of Various Factory Stamps

  • Georgian Solian Ware Soho Pottery Cobridge England 5267A

  • Fondeville Ambassador Ware England 5264A

  • Fondeville Ambassador Ware England

  • Georgian Solian Ware Soho Pottery Ltd Cobridge England 5264A

  • Georgian Solian Ware Soho Pottery Ltd Cobridge England

  • Soho Pottery Ambassador Ware England 5264A

  • Solian Ware Soho Pottery Ltd Cobridge ENGD 5267

  • Solian Ware Soho Pottery Ltd Cobridge ENGD

Emma Jeffrey Bain (center) with Kenneth Bain

and Donald Bain in Montreal, Spring 1919.

The History Behind the Collection

This archive began with my great-grandmother, Emma Jeffrey Bain's collection (FamilySearch ID: G8PL-SPQ). After settling in Montreal in 1911, she furnished her home with these elegant English earthenware pieces.

Her appreciation for Soho Pottery's craftsmanship has been passed down through generations, transforming from cherished family heirlooms into my passionate pursuit of documenting and preserving the legacy of these remarkable pieces.

Each time I discover a new piece of Soho Pottery, I think of Emma's discerning eye and how she would have appreciated the artistry of these patterns.

Historical family photo from Spring 1919 Montreal: Kenneth Bain, Emma Jeffrey Bain (Soho Pottery collector), and Donald Bain posed together

Emma Jeffrey Bain (center) with Kenneth Bain

and Donald Bain in Montreal, Spring 1919.

This archive began with my great-grandmother, Emma Jeffrey Bain's collection (FamilySearch ID: G8PL-SPQ). After settling in Montreal in 1911, she furnished her home with these elegant English earthenware pieces.

Her appreciation for Soho Pottery's craftsmanship has been passed down through generations, transforming from cherished family heirlooms into my passionate pursuit of documenting and preserving the legacy of these remarkable pieces.

Each time I discover a new piece of Soho Pottery, I think of Emma's discerning eye and how she would have appreciated the artistry of these patterns.

LATEST LISTINGS

Recently Spotted Pieces

Prices and availability shown for reference and documentation purposes. Market values for these pieces can vary significantly based on pattern rarity, condition, and historical significance. Browse this regularly updated section to stay informed about current market trends and pattern variations appearing in the wild.

Soho Pottery Ambassador Ware demitasse cups and saucers, green and red with gold gilding and floral design.

Soho Pottery demitasse cups and saucers.

Set of 2

CAD 15

Georgian Solian Ware 9 1/2-inch plate, cobalt blue with gold gilding and floral pattern, vintage earthenware.

Soho Pottery Ambassador Ware 9" Plate

GBP 12.99

Soho Pottery Ambassador Ware square dish plate, multicolor floral pattern with blue, red, green, and gold accents, vintage collectible.

Soho Pottery Ambassador Ware England 526YA Square Dish Plate Blue Red Green Gold

GBP 8.99

Soho Pottery Ambassador Ware six demitasse cups and saucers, cobalt blue with gold gilding and floral design.

6 Sets Demitasse Ambassador Ware England Cobalt Gold Tree Of Life

CAD 35.00

ebay.com

Soho Pottery Ambassador Ware demitasse cup and saucer, cobalt blue with gold gilding and floral design.

Demitasse Cup and Saucer, Soho Pottery, Ambassador Ware

GBP 11.50

Get In Touch

I maintain this archive of "Georgian" Soho Pottery information as a passion project, documenting the rich history of these remarkable pieces. If you have Solian Ware, Ambassador Ware, or Chanticleer Ware in your collection, I'd love to learn more about your pieces and their story. Whether they're family heirlooms with their own genealogical connection, pieces discovered in antique markets, or part of a collection you've carefully curated, each piece helps tell the broader story of how these English pottery pieces found their way into homes around the world. I'm particularly interested in documenting pattern variations, unique markings, and the personal histories behind these collections. Please feel free to share photos, details, and the story of how your pieces came to be in your care - every piece adds to our understanding of this significant English pottery maker's impact on both sides of the Atlantic.

Explore our collection of Solian Ware, Ambassador Ware, and Chanticleer Ware - Fine English pottery since 1904

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