Ashtead LMS ashtray

Ashtead LMS ashtray

Ashtead LMS ashtray - 4¼" (107 mm) diameter, 1" (25 mm) high.

LMS stood for London, Midland and Scottish. It was one of the big four rail companies after the merger of all the smaller lines following the end of WW1 and before British Railways was formed in 1948.

This is Ashtead Potters' patented Cho-kr design. See Ashtead 'Cho-kr' ash tray for a variation in design.

Ashtead Potters
 

Ashtead Potters Ltd were active in Ashtead, Surrey between 1923 and 1935.

It was set up by Sir Lawrence Weaver to provide employment for disabled ex-servicemen. The work of several prominent designers was employed, most notable, perhaps, being Phoebe Stabler of Carter, Stabler and Adams.

Queen Elizabeth II was given an Ashtead 'Christopher Robin' set when her parents visited the pottery in1928.

The factory closed, as a combined result of Sir Lawrence's death and the great depression, in 1935.

If you find yourself in or near the charming little town of Leatherhead in Surrey, as we did on a fine July morning, the Leatherhead Museum of Local History in Church Street is worth a visit. They have a nicely catalogued collection of Ashtead pottery on display along with many other interesting exhibits.

Further Reading: British Ceramic Art 1870-1940 by John A Bartlett


 
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