Hornsea "Ebony"

Hornsea Ebony was launched in 1981 and was based on the Concord shape, one of Hornsea Pottery’s later oven to tableware forms. Designed with a strong black and cream contrast, the range has a silky black exterior, cream glazed rims and interiors, and a sculptural simplicity that gives it a very distinctive look.

The design feels quite different from many of Hornsea’s more familiar patterned ranges. Instead of floral decoration or printed motifs, Ebony relies on shape, texture and colour contrast. The pale cream interiors make the pieces practical for use, while the black exterior gives cups, jugs, bowls and serving pieces a smart, almost architectural presence.

Ebony was part of Hornsea’s more design-led early 1980s output and was considered especially forward-looking. It received recognition for design quality, and examples were selected for high-profile retail presentation. The range was also closely related in shape to Hornsea Cinnamon, although Ebony has a more dramatic black and cream colour scheme.

As a discontinued Hornsea Pottery range, Ebony is now mainly found through the pre-loved market and is often sought by customers looking for replacement china to complete, extend or match an existing set. Availability can vary by piece, particularly for lidded items, serving ware, teapots, coffee pots and matching saucers, so it is worth checking back if a specific Ebony piece is not currently available.

When matching Hornsea Ebony replacement pieces, the key details to look for are the Concord shape, black exterior, cream interior and cream rim detail. These features help distinguish Ebony from other dark Hornsea patterns and from related Concord-shape ranges such as Cinnamon.