Shelley Ceramics (ex Wileman & Co.) (England) coffee pots and sets

Shelley ceramics is an historic English ceramics company that is known for producing some of the finest tea sets and tea pots in the world. The company was founded in 1860 by Henry Wileman as Wileman & Co. which also traded as The Foley Potteries. and it gained a reputation for producing high-quality and beautifully designed ceramics.

In the late 19th century, Wileman & Co. began to focus on producing tea sets and tea pots, which became the company's signature products. These tea sets and tea pots were highly prized for their delicate designs, intricate patterns, and bright, more... vibrant colors.

In 1896, the company was acquired by Percy Shelley, who renamed it "Shelley". Under Shelley's leadership, the company continued to produce exquisite tea sets and tea pots, as well as other types of ceramics, such as dinnerware and decorative objects.

Shelley became known for its innovative designs, which often featured bold and unusual shapes, as well as bright and striking colors. The company also pioneered new techniques, such as the use of airbrushing to create unique and intricate patterns on its ceramics.

During the 20th century, Shelley continued to produce high-quality tea sets and tea pots, and its products became highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts around the world. In 1965, the company changed its name to Shelley Potteries Ltd. The company also gained a reputation for its collaborations with leading artists and designers, who created some of the company's most iconic and memorable designs.

Shelley China Ltd. was acquired by Allied English Potteries in 1966 and closed down. less...

Before the invention of the dripolator, percolator and the expresso machine, the roasted and ground coffee beans were placed in a pot, and hot water was added, to infuse the water with the coffee. After the coffee had brewed it was ready for pouring, a similar process to that used to make tea now.

It was not until the invention of the percolator in the late 19th century, that use of the coffee pot began to decline.

From the early 18th century to the end of the 19th century, coffee pots were produced in silver, silver plate and by most more... of the major ceramics producers who produced dinnerware, including Wedgwood, Royal Worcester and Belleek. less...