Topic: Sowerby company records

[MHT]

In the Peacock and the Lions, author Sheilagh Murray refers to Sowerby records from the 1880's (page 33).
Does anyone know where these records may be held?

Mike

[Paul S.]

Broadfield House, possibly, but in truth I'm only guessing because off-hand I can't think of a more potentially worthwhile answer    what make you ask the question Mike?

[MHT]

I'm writing a page about Sowerby colours to go on my website. TPATL is the only book which specifically mentions Sowerby records, just wondered if anyone knew where they might be viewed.

[Anne]

There is this in the Tyne and Wear Archives http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/e44081d6-c511-4799-8033-2896d0123901

Contact details shown here: http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/a/A13532934

[MHT]

Thanks Anne, my son lives near Maryport and I was planning to visit the museums in Newcastle when next up there. Will look into it.

[Paul S.]

thinking of more recently published material relating to the Sowerby factory, then it's always possible that Glen and Stephen Thistlewood might be able to assist in some way.          These authors produced a three CD ROM disc set which details much factory catalogue information, and although I can't recall there being any specific reference to colours, they might be able to point you in a useful direction.
Regret I don't know the source of Glen and Stephen's information  -  it might have been the archives already mentioned by Anne, or another source, but perhaps worth an email to ask.
Until a year or two back Glen did maintain contact with the GMB, but I've not seen the lady posting for a couple of years or thereabouts - their contact details should still be on the Board somewhere.

P.S.     don't forget that there is some quite detailed info. in Ray Slack's book regarding the factory's formulae for colours and chemical make-up of some of the well known things like Pearline and Queen's Ivory Ware etc.

[MHT]

Thanks Paul. I have Glen and Stephen Thistlewood's CDs and all the other books. I am making good progress with this and will update the site early in the new year. May be interesting.

[Anne]

There is a section on colours in one of the Thistlewood Sowerby CDs, vol 2 I think?

[Paul S.]

thanks Anne - memory obviously not working too well.                quote ....................  "well known things like Pearline"  .......     Davidson, of course, not Sowerby 

Look forward to the up-date Mike.