The identical set can be seen in the catalogue of the Sowerby Glassworks factory from 1938 (see image 9) where it has the number ‘2505’ and is described as ‘Salad, flanged and plinth’. This and three accompanying pieces are described as ‘The Sales Record Breakers !!!’ and retailers are urged to ‘Increase your sales with these quick-selling lines’. The design accurately reflects the spirit of Art Deco and is typical of the pieces which Sowerby made to meet contemporary demand. While similar bowls are sometimes seen now, matching sets with the stand are much less common.

The Sowerby family came from the North West of England near Carlisle and settled in Gateshead in the late eighteenth century. The firm Sowerby Glassworks is known from 1807 onwards and continued production until 1972, concentrating on pressed glass. Catalogues of their wares still exist and they produced pieces in a wide variety of styles and shapes which retain their popularity today.