My name is Rhonda Thomas & I’m a new member. I recently purchased @ auction (long story) my Granny’s beloved Upper Hanley Pottery-Madras (46 pieces). Please tell me everything you know about this pattern. I’m on a mission to purchase all I can for my 2 granddaughters to inherit.
Hi Rhonda! I'm glad you have posted this to our website. I hope it will reach a some of our members who also collect the Upper Hanley Pottery MADRAS and done some research on the pottery. The books from both Godden and Kowalsky show that Upper Hanley Pottery Co. operated from Hanley, Staffordshire circa 1895 - 1902, then from Brownfield Works, Cobridge, Staffordshire circa 1902-1910. There were a few different back marks. If you look at your pieces, note if the mark shows "CO" after the word Pottery. That mark was used circa 1895-1900. It there is an "LTD" added after the "CO", then it circa 1900-1910. Kowalsky also notes in his boot that Upper Hanley continued, in name, until at least 1912, but was acquired after 1906 by Grimwades. I also have some info that I will email to you showing three other potters that used that same pattern (or a variation of it): James Kent, Minton, and Sterling-a USA potter. The Sterling potter made a line of railroad china with your UHP Madras pattern design!
I’m just now seeing your response. My Upper Hanley-Madras mark does not have Co on it nor LTD. The mark is simply Upper Hanley Pottery, Semi-porcelain, England, Madras.