Antique Blue Floral ‘The Elan’ Toilet Pan

Step back into the late 19th or early 20th century with “The Elan,” a genuine antique toilet pan featuring exquisite blue floral transfer-ware patterns. Likely manufactured by the esteemed Johnson Bros of Stoke-on-Trent (later known as Trent Ware), this pan represents the pinnacle of decorative sanitaryware from the Golden Age of British pottery. The delicate floral motifs wrap around the exterior and interior of the bowl, offering a level of detail rarely seen in modern fixtures.

Authentic Victorian Configuration

True to its era, this pan is designed for a traditional high-level installation.

• Throne Seat Required: There are no seat holes on the ceramic rim, which was standard for the period. This pan is intended to be used with a wooden throne seat mounted to the wall or supported by decorative seat brackets.

• Intricate Transfer-Ware: The vibrant blue floral pattern is exceptionally well-preserved against the white glaze, providing a striking contrast that defines the antique aesthetic.

Condition and Restoration Potential

As a genuine century-old antique, this pan carries the hallmarks of its long history. While it has been remarkably well-preserved in some areas, it offers an excellent opportunity for a specialist restoration:

• Glaze Quality: Remarkably, there is no crazing or staining in the glaze, a testament to the high-quality firing process used by Johnson Bros.

• Historic Marks: There is a historic crack on the front pedestal and a small crack on the top left of the pan. Both are stable and can be expertly repaired by a ceramic restorer to be virtually invisible.

• Trapway: There is a small chip inside the trapway that does not affect the pan’s function.

Technical Specifications

• Model: The Elan

• Manufacturer: Likely Johnson Bros (Stoke-on-Trent)

• Era: Late 1800s / Early 1900s

• Pattern: Blue Floral Transfer-Ware

• Width: 34cm

• Depth: 43cm

• Height: 39cm

Why Choose ‘The Elan’?

Finding an antique blue floral toilet pan with its glaze still intact and free from the “browning” or staining common in 100-year-old ceramics is an incredible find. For the purist restorer, “The Elan” provides an authentic centrepiece that anchors an entire Victorian or Edwardian bathroom design.

Delivery and Collection

Due to the antique ceramics’ extreme age and fragility, collection from our workshop is highly recommended. However, we can arrange specialist delivery at an extra cost. We utilise bespoke, reinforced crating to provide the highest level of protection during transit.

Need a Specific Match?

If you can’t find the exact item you’re looking for online, please get in touch. Our warehouse holds hundreds of unlisted pieces from heritage British manufacturers like Armitage Shanks, Royal Doulton, Twyfords, Shires, and Ideal Standard.

Specialists in Discontinued Colours

We stock an extensive range of rare bathroom shades from the 1950s through to the 1990s. Whether you need a 1980s Heather Pink or a 1990s Peach, we can help you find the perfect replacement.

Our inventory includes popular and rare tones such as:

• Classic Pinks: Flamingo, Orchid, Chiffon, and Rose Water.
• Retro Greens: Avocado, Pampas, Sage, and Apple Blossom.
• Vintage Blues: Bermuda Blue, Sky Blue, and Caspian.
• Earth & Neutrals: Indian Ivory, Champagne, Pergamon, and Harvest Gold.
• The “Whisper” Range: Available in Apricot, Blue, Cream, Green, Grey, Peach, and Pink.

Looking for a specific shade like Penthouse, Twilight, or Bali? Get In Touch — we likely have the exact match in our unlisted stock.