Sowerby Glass Identification Guide + Gallery

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John Sowerby founded the Gateshead Stamped Glass Works in 1846. In 1852 it was replaced by a new factory called Sowerby's Ellison Glass Works. Sowerby introduced its Vitro-Porcelain range (Milk glass) in 1877. In the 1920's, Sowerby began producing a range of iridescent glassware called Carnival glass. During the 1930's, Sowerby produced several Art Deco glass designs. The Sowerby factory was taken over by Suntex Safety Glass Industries Limited in 1957, and closed in 1972.

Sources: 20th Century Factory Glass by Lesley Jackson.

See also: Sowerby Glass Catalogues

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Sowerby Art Deco Glass

Sowerby Art Deco Pink Glass Seated Nude Lady Figurine

An art deco frosted pink British pressed glass "Seated Lady" nude figurine. Made by Sowerby.

Sowerby Art Deco Uranium Glass Nude Lady Centerpiece Set

An art deco frosted uranium green British pressed glass "Seated Lady" nude figurine with matching bowl. Made by Sowerby.

Sowerby Art Deco Frosted Pink Glass Nude Lady Figurine

An art deco frosted pink British pressed glass "Standing Lady" nude figurine. Made by Sowerby.

Sowerby Art Deco Frosted Pink Glass Lady & Roses Figurine

An art deco frosted pink British pressed glass lady figurine with roses / flowers. Made by Sowerby.

Sowerby Art Deco Uranium Green Glass 'Frog + Bullrush' Bowl

An art deco part frosted uranium green British pressed glass "Frog + Bullrush" bowl. Made by Sowerby, design registration number 787048.

Sowerby Art Deco 1930s Amber Glass Frog + Bullrush Bowl

An art deco part frosted amber British pressed glass "Frog + Bullrush" bowl. Made by Sowerby, design registration number 787048.

Sowerby Art Deco 1930s Blue Glass Frog + Bullrush Vase

An art deco part frosted pale blue British pressed glass "Frog + Bullrush" vase. Made by Sowerby, design registration number 787048.

Sowerby Art Deco 1930's Pink Glass 'Dolphin' Bowl

An art deco part frosted pink British pressed glass "Dolphin" bowl. Made by Sowerby, marked.

Sowerby Art Deco Green Glass Butterfly Trinket Set

An art deco green British pressed glass "Butterfly" dressing table / trinket set. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 2552.

Sowerby Art Deco Pink Glass 'Sunburst / Sunray' Vase - Marked

An art deco pink British pressed glass "Sunburst / Sunray" vase. Made by Sowerby, design registration number 790213.

Sowerby Art Deco 1930s Uranium Green Glass 'Iris' Bowl

An art deco uranium green British pressed glass "Iris" bowl. Made by Sowerby.

Sowerby #2505 Art Deco 1930's Amber Glass Lily Posy Vase

An art deco amber British pressed glass "Lily" bowl. Made by Sowerby.

Sowerby Art Deco 1930's Pink Glass 'Daisy' Vase

An art deco pink British pressed glass "Daisy" vase. Made by Sowerby, design registration number 799041.

Sowerby #C2631 Art Deco 1930's Amber Glass Posy Vase

An art deco amber British pressed glass posy bowl / vase. Made by Sowerby, pattern number C2631.

Sowerby #2631 Art Deco 1930's Pink Glass Posy Bowl/Vase

An art deco part frosted pink British pressed glass posy bowl / vase. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 2631.

Sowerby Art Deco 1930's Green Pressed Glass Posy Vase

An art deco green British pressed glass vase, similar to the "Lily" and "Iris" designs. Made by Sowerby.

Sowerby #2617 Art Deco 1930's Amber Pressed Glass Vase

An art deco amber British pressed glass vase. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 2617.

Sowerby #2614 Art Deco Green Glass Elephant Bowl - Labelled

An art deco green British pressed glass "Elephant" bowl. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 2614, labelled.

Sowerby #2614 Art Deco Green Glass Elephant Bowl - Labelled

Label reads "Sowerbys Tynesyde Glassware, Made in England".

Sowerby #2614 Art Deco 1930's Glass Elephant Jug/Creamer

An art deco clear British pressed glass "Elephant" creamer / jug. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 2614.

Sowerby #2566 Art Deco 1930's Amber Glass 'Mercury' Vase

An art deco amber British pressed glass "Mercury" vase. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 2566.

Sowerby #2544 Art Deco 1930's Amber Glass Pandora's Box

An art deco amber British pressed glass "Pandora's Box" biscuit jar. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 2544.

Sowerby #2644 Art Deco 1930's Amber Glass Bowl/Dish

An art deco amber British pressed glass bowl. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 2644.

Sowerby Art Deco 1930's Uranium Green Glass Posy Bowl

An art deco uranium green British pressed glass bowl. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 2570.

Sowerby #2616 Art Deco Vintage Green Glass Celery Vase

An art deco green British pressed glass vase. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 2616.

Sowerby Large Art Deco 1930's Pink Glass Vase

An art deco pink British pressed glass vase. Made by Sowerby.

Sowerby Art Deco 1930's Frosted Pink Glass Vase

An art deco frosted pink British pressed glass vase. Made by Sowerby.

Sowerby Pink Art Deco Glass 1950's Bird + Panel Vase

An art deco frosted pink British pressed glass "Bird + Panel" vase. This design was made by Jobling, pattern number 11400, design registration number 794907, and later also produced by Sowerby.

Sowerby Art Deco 1930's Blue Glass 'Ladye' Powder Bowl

An art deco frosted blue British pressed glass "Ladye" lady powder bowl. Made by Sowerby.

Sowerby Art Deco Amber Glass Squirrel Centrepiece Bowl

A 1930's amber British art deco pressed glass "Squirrel" centrepiece bowl. Made by Sowerby, design registration number 796446.

Sowerby #2602 Art Deco 1930s Amber Glass Rose Bowl / Vase

A 1930's amber British art deco pressed glass rose bowl / vase. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 11400.

Sowerby #2565 Art Deco Frosted Pink Glass Rose Pattern Bowl

A 1930's pink British art deco pressed glass rose pattern bowl / vase. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 2565.

Sowerby #2550 Art Deco Vintage Amber Glass Water Jug

An art deco amber British pressed glass water jug. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 2550.

Sowerby Art Deco Amber Glass 'Sunburst/Sunray' Bowl - Marked

A 1930's amber British art deco pressed glass "Sunburst" or "Sunray" trinket bowl (missing lid). Made by Sowerby, design registration number 788735.

Sowerby #2597 Art Deco 1930's 'Rosalin' Pink Glass Vase

An art deco pink British pressed glass vase. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 2597.

Sowerby Mid-Century Glass

Sowerby British 1960's Purple Cloud Glass Bowl

A purple British cloud glass bowl. Made by Sowerby.

Sowerby #2266 1950s Turquoise Blue Glass Bowl - Labelled

A blue British pressed glass bowl. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 2266, labelled.

Sowerby #2266 1950s Turquoise Blue Glass Bowl - Labelled

Label reads "Sowerbys Tynesyde Glassware, Made in England".

Sowerby #S.2761 Vintage 1960's Blue Glass Posy Bowl / Astray

A blue British pressed glass bowl. Made by Sowerby, pattern number S.2761, shown in the "List No. 41" catalogue.

Sowerby Carnival Glass

Sowerby #1544 1920's Iridescent Carnival Glass 'Dolphin' Bowl

A 1920's purple / amethyst British pressed carnival glass "Diving Dolphin's" bowl. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1544.

Sowerby #1544 1920's Iridescent Carnival Glass 'Dolphin' Bowl

A 1920's marigold British pressed carnival glass "Diving Dolphin's" bowl. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1544.

Sowerby Victorian Glass

Sowerby #1102 Victorian Blue Milk / Vitro-Porcelain Glass Bowl - Marked

A Victorian blue British pressed milk / vitro-porcelain glass basket shaped bowl. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1102.

Sowerby #1148 Victorian Antique Malachite / Slag Glass Spill Vase

A Victorian purple and white British pressed malachite / slag glass spill vase. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1148.

Sowerby #1154½ Victorian Purple Malachite / Slag Glass Spill Vase

A Victorian purple and white British pressed malachite / slag glass spill vase. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1154½.

Sowerby #1157 Victorian Blue Milk / Vitro-Porcelain Glass Basket Bowl

A Victorian blue British pressed milk / vitro-porcelain glass basket shaped bowl. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1157, marked.

Sowerby #1159 Victorian Blue Milk / Vitro-Porcelain Glass Bowl - Marked

A Victorian blue British pressed milk / vitro-porcelain glass bowl / trough. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1159, marked.

Sowerby #1160 Victorian Black Milk / Vitro-Porcelain Glass Spill Vase

A Victorian black British pressed milk / vitro-porcelain glass spill vase. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1160, marked.

Sowerby Victorian Black Milk Glass Vitro-Porcelain Spill Vase

A Victorian black British pressed milk / vitro-porcelain glass spill vase. Most likely made by Sowerby, very similar to pattern number 1160.

Sowerby #1173 Victorian Blue Milk / Vitro-Porcelain Glass Spill Vase - Marked

A Victorian blue British pressed milk / vitro-porcelain glass basket shaped spill vase. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1173, marked.

Sowerby #1192½ Victorian Purple Malachite/Slag Glass Bowl

A Victorian purple and white British pressed malachite / slag glass basket shaped bowl. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1192½, marked.

Sowerby #1219 Victorian Blue Milk / Vitro-Porcelain Glass Posy Trough - Marked

A Victorian blue British pressed milk / vitro-porcelain glass bowl / trough. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1219, marked.

Sowerby #1223 Victorian Purple Malachite/Slag Glass Vase

A Victorian purple and white British pressed malachite / slag glass spill vase. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1223.

Sowerby #1231 MARKED Victorian Turquoise Malachite/Slag Glass Bowl

A Victorian turquoise and white British pressed malachite / slag glass bowl / trough. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1231, marked.

Sowerby #1254.5 Victorian White Milk Glass Bowl - Marked

A Victorian white British pressed milk / vitro-porcelain glass bowl. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1254½, marked.

Sowerby #1258 Victorian Purple Malachite / Slag Glass Spill Vase

A Victorian purple and white British pressed malachite / slag glass spill vase. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1258, marked.

Sowerby #1259 Victorian Green Malachite / Slag Glass Bowl - Marked

A Victorian green and white British pressed malachite / slag glass bowl / pin dish. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1259, marked.

Sowerby #1281 Victorian Queen's Ivory Milk Glass Vase - Marked

A Victorian ivory uranium British pressed milk / vitro-porcelain glass vase. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1281, marked.

Sowerby #1288 Victorian Purple Malachite / Slag Glass Spill Vase

A Victorian purple and white British pressed malachite / slag glass basket shaped spill vase. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1288, marked.

Sowerby #1293½ Victorian White Milk Glass Posy Trough - Marked

A Victorian white British pressed milk / vitro-porcelain glass bowl / trough. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1293½, marked.

Sowerby #1299 Victorian Purple Malachite/Slag Glass Bowl

A Victorian purple and white British pressed malachite / slag glass bowl. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1299, marked.

Sowerby #1325 Victorian Queen's Ivory Milk Glass Bowl - Marked

A Victorian ivory uranium British pressed milk / vitro-porcelain glass basket bowl. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1325, marked.

Sowerby #1346 Victorian Queen's Ivory Milk Glass Creamer - Marked

A Victorian ivory uranium British pressed milk / vitro-porcelain glass creamer. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1346, marked.

Sowerby #1350 Victorian Queen's Ivory Milk Glass Bowl - Marked

A Victorian ivory uranium British pressed milk / vitro-porcelain glass bowl. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1350, marked.

Sowerby #1350 Victorian Queen's Ivory Milk Glass Basket - Marked

A Victorian ivory uranium British pressed milk / vitro-porcelain glass basket shaped bowl. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1350, marked.

Sowerby #1350 Victorian Queen's Ivory Milk Glass Creamer - Marked

A Victorian ivory uranium British pressed milk / vitro-porcelain glass creamer. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1350, marked.

Sowerby #1400 Victorian Purple Malachite / Slag Glass Cup

A Victorian purple and white British pressed malachite / slag glass cup. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1400, marked.

Sowerby #1430 Victorian Blue Milk Glass Creamer/Jug - Marked

A Victorian blue British pressed milk / vitro-porcelain glass creamer. Made by Sowerby, pattern number 1430, marked.

Sowerby MARKED Victorian Purple Malachite/Slag Glass Tumbler

A Victorian purple and white British pressed malachite / slag glass half pint tumbler. Made by Sowerby, marked.

Sowerby Victorian Purple Malachite / Slag Glass Tumbler

A Victorian purple and white British pressed malachite / slag glass tumbler. Made by Sowerby, marked.


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Reference Websites

For more information on Sowerby glass, check out the following resources:

http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/thumbnails.php?album=1001 - A gallery of Sowerby glassware with registration numbers.
www.victorianpressedglass.com - Large gallery of Sowerby and other Victorian pressed glass, with catalogue scans.