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Sowerbys' Glass
A brief history of Sowerby's glass
Sowerbys' Ellison Glass Works Limited were a major British pressed glass manufacturer in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear.
- In 1847 John Sowerby founded his glassworks in Gateshead
- In 1850 production moved to the Ellison Road glassworks
- In 1879 John died and his son George took over the business
- In 1887 they introduced Vitroporcelain or milk glass, which looks like porcelain but is coloured and moulded like glass
- In the 1920s they introduced their iridescent, Carnival glass using selenium
- In 1956 they went into receivership
- In 1957 they were bought by Suntex Safety Glass Industries
- In 1972 production of domestic glass ceased
Identification of Sowerby's Glass
The later, domestic items weren't marked, but their output is well-documented and catalogued, so it's often possible to identify pieces by shape.
Where can you find out more?
Sowerby Four Green Glass Tumblers
A set of four green glass Art Deco style glasses, made by Sowerby for their pattern 2550 Water Set. Second-hand.
Sold.
Sowerby Green Vaseline Glass Jug and Glasses
An Art Deco style, green water jug with four glasses, made by Sowerby from Vaseline or uranium glass. Second-hand.
Sold.
Sowerby Flint Glass Jug
An Art Deco style, grey-coloured water jug made by Sowerbys' Ellison Glass Works. Second-hand.
€22.00
Sowerby Green Vaseline Glass Jug
An Art Deco style, green water jug made from Vaseline or uranium glass by Sowerby. Second-hand.
Sold.
Sowerby Blue Glass Jug
An Art Deco style, pale-blue, glass water jug made by Sowerby. Second-hand.
Sold.
Sowerby Amber Glass Jug
An Art Deco style, amber-coloured glass water jug made by Sowerby's Ellison Glass Works. Second-hand.
€20.00