Soup tureens

Soup has long been a winter favourite for keeping the body warm and healthy and the kitchen cosy.

The early settlers of Nelson brought with them soup tureens which were an essential component of their crockery sets. The soup would be ladled into the tureen from the cooking pot hanging over the hearth or on the stove, then served into individual bowls in the dining room.

This footed tureen with matching ladle was reputed to have been brought to Nelson by settlers on the Thomas Harrison which sailed into Nelson on October 25 1842, and it may well have been in the family for several years before that. It was used by the Silcock family in Wakefield. The handles and lid have long disappeared but the modest blue decoration on the front and on the ladle show a scene of spring flowers and birds – a promise that spring will eventually return.

Image: Cream and blue ceramic tureen, missing lid. Maker unknown. 19th century

Cream and blue ceramic tureen ladle. Maker unknown. 19th century