Vintage Shanks & Co. Arctic Blue Basin & Pedestal | 1950s Heritage

Step back into the mid-century era with this striking Arctic blue basin & pedestal. Manufactured by the prestigious Shanks & Co. of Barrhead, Scotland—a name synonymous with luxury plumbing for decades—this set dates from the 1950s. Arctic Blue is a vibrant, uplifting sky-blue shade that was designed to bring light and colour into the homes of the post-war period. It remains an ideal choice for those restoring a period property or looking to add an authentic vintage focal point to a bedroom or bathroom.

Product Features & Historical Context

This set represents the high-quality craftsmanship of Scottish vitreous china production. Shanks & Co. were renowned for their durable, high-gloss glazes and substantial proportions. The basin offers a generous washing area and sits atop a grand, architectural pedestal, creating a profile that is both sturdy and elegant. Whether you are leaning into a full retro aesthetic or simply want to save a unique piece of history, this Arctic Blue set offers a level of character that modern fixtures cannot replicate.

Condition Report

The set is in fair vintage condition and has been priced accordingly.

• Basin Note: There is a visible crack located underneath the overflow hole in the basin. Importantly, this crack can be professionally repaired by our team at an extra cost if you wish to restore it to a seamless finish.

• Remaining Set: Aside from the noted crack, the pedestal and the rest of the basin are free from chips or structural damage, retaining a beautiful gloss and vibrancy.

Technical Specifications

This is a substantial suite, standing at a majestic 87cm in height, with a width of 64cm and a depth of 46cm. Its height and width make it a comfortable and impressive choice for a primary bathroom restoration.

Safe & Secure Delivery

To ensure this historic piece of Scottish manufacturing reaches you safely, we offer specialised delivery at an extra cost. We use reinforced packaging to protect the ceramic during transit. If you are interested in having the basin crack repaired before dispatch, please contact us for a quote.

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.