All About Shelley China!

[Ellene Meece]

I love dainty Shelley China cups and saucers! There is nothing like a tea party using Shelley China.

Their story of how they came to be is quite intriguing...

"The Shelley story begins about 1860 when the Wileman family, owners of the Foley works, a large pottery between Longton and Fenton in Staffordshire, England, built a second pottery for the purpose of producing fine china.  Two years later Joseph B. Shelley, left his position at the Dresden works and joined Henry Wileman and his sons as a mere traveler or salesperson.  In 1864, Henry Wileman died and his two sons Charles and James split the two works with James running the earthenware works and Charles the china works.  In 1870 Charles retired, and James took over both enterprises.  He made Joseph Shelley his partner and the firm became known as Wileman & Company.  Eventually James returned to running the earthenware works, and Joseph Shelley took charge of the china production..."

READ MORE from the Shelley China Club

Why collect Shelley China?

• They are the best of the English potteries that produced bone china.

  "Shelley China is the finest expression of the Potter's Art. Its pure white translucent glaze, and lovely colourings make it pre-eminent amongst the productions of the World's greatest Pottery centre, The Staffordshire Potteries."

  -- Percy Norman Shelley

• They are all beautiful works of art, yet they are meant to be used and enjoyed.

• They had the best and most thorough quality control so that the china patterns matched and pieces would be extraordinarily durable.

• The original pattern books, which tied pattern numbers to the artwork from which all Shelley and Wileman pieces were decorated, still exist and may be available to facilitate research.

• There are three large worldwide Shelley clubs with experts and helpful people to assist with identification and location of almost any pattern or piece.

• There are many sources of information including books, magazines and newsletters to further your research and understanding.  See our Resource section for more.

• Shelley is no longer being produced; the supply is fixed and even dwindling as pieces are lost or broken.

From Shelley China Club

[MTippingAtelier]

Wow, this is so timely!  There is a ton of it coming up at my local auction on Tuesday...!

Mary

/..\

[0zk27d1vv0zud]

Shelley, is hugely popular here in England where I live and it can command very high prices, particularly the Art Deco patterns. 'Good Bidding' on Tuesday, Mary! ;-)

Colin  

[Donna Cook]

I have been collecting tea cups since 1977 and I just acquired my first Shelley tea cup.  My sister picked it up at a thrift store in RI for a few dollars.  It is very pretty but it has a tea stain in the bottom of the cup.  Does anyone know if there is a way to remove the stain?   

[Ellene Meece]

Have you tried baking soda, to clean tea stain from porcelain china? Also, I use bleach spray and it seems quite safe.

Enjoy your first Shelley tea cup!

 

[Donna Cook]

I tried baking soda, salt, bleach, lemon juice, dish washer detergent and warm milk.  The tea stain lightened but it is still there.   It's a pretty cup and saucer but not perfect enough to resell.  I'll just enjoy it.  Thanks for your tip.

[Ellene Meece]

Now, that's one tough stain! Sorry for the loss of sale but lucky you for having a pretty cup to enjoy your tea! :)

[Donna Cook]

Here's an update:  After about 7 dental tablets and a lot of soaking, the stain is almost gone. 

[0zk27d1vv0zud]

Haaaa.  I did say that you may have to repeat the process, but THIS is ridiculous! lol 

[Donna Cook]

LOL  I have it soaking again. 

[Ellene Meece]

Congratulations, Donna! :)

[Donna Cook]

Here's my Shelley teacup.

[Ellene Meece]

Lovely! This is the one you've had soaking, Donna?? What a treasure.