Studio Szeiler -NEWTON HEATH Commemorative Posy

The name Powell is at the side of the portrait

The vase refers to "Newton Heath (L & Y .RY) F.C." -Newton Heath - an area of Manchester and the name of a football club.

The L&Y Railway company bit is a reference to the fact that the railway company's large carriage and wagon works was at Newton Heath - and, initially at least, most of the players for the club were L&Y employees at the works.

The team, formed in 1878. was known affectionately as "The Coachbuilders". though they later became known as. rather unfortunately. "the Heathens"!

The image of Mr Powell clearly shows him to be a sportsman (note the open necked shirt and badge over the left breast).

Jack Powell was the captain of the team in the 1880's.

Later the club became part of the Football League as the players became more professional. and it dropped the "L&YR" bit.

In 1902 the club changed its name completely after a financial rescue and became known by the name it still has - Manchester United

However, they did not move to the famous location at Old Trafford until 1910.

The vase is probably a celebratory or souvenir piece. as the team were relatively successful in the late 1880s and early 1890's. I hope this has given you some useful information.

Regards Chris Leach Information Officer Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Society (email )

Though it is not backstamped I believe it was commissisoned from Joseph Szeiler who had a Studio Pottery in Burslem SoT

The size is 4" hr x 3" wide.

updated 18th Feb 2006 .(c)J&R1999/2000/01/2006.

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