Despite being a rarity now, most chapels in Wales in the late 1800s and early-mid-1900s had a set of ‘chapel china’ that was used for every day catering but also for special occasions, celebrations and festivities. Today, chapels tend to use cheaper, plain crockery, but marking your tea service with your church’s brand was a key part of local and regional identity.  

The name badge which appears on the side of the teapot and the lid reads ‘Eglwys Nazareth Aberdar’ which translates to Nazareth Church Aberdare. The crest of the church is a part of the name badge and consists of a bird flying above an open book, most likely holy scripture.

Churches were sent catalogues they could choose sets from and their logo or name could be added – this was kept on file by the producers, in case they ordered replacements or additions in the future.  

You can read more about this pottery and other items on the museum’s blog.