Whether you prefer the subtle sensuality of the Art Nouveau potters, or the uncluttered modern approach of the Art Deco era, pottery of this period provides something to suit almost every taste. If you’re an inexperienced collector this could be an ideal choice of subject to begin with: most pottery and porcelain is marked; wares by the most famous potters are usually well documented; and many pieces are still refreshingly inexpensive.

During the Art Nouveau period the surfaces of plates and vases were covered with Floral and organic shapes, or languid, scantily clad maidens, synonymous with the style of the movement. In stark contrast, the clean bright motifs and avant-garde shapes which evolved in Art Deco pottery of the 20s and 30s, evoke equally effectively the spirit of their age.

Antique Collection

ceramics1

WILLIAM MOORCROFT

If you see a piece of pottery decorated with raised lines, which look as if they’ve been applied with an icing nozzle, the chances arc it was made by William Moorcroft, at the famous Macintyre Pottery in Staffordshire. This “Iris” vase illustrates the distinctive technique, known as “tube- line”, which was made with hand-applied fine lines of slip. £700

DOULTON & CO

This factory produced such a wide variety of wares that many buyers collect nothing else! You’ll have to pay more if a piece of Doulton was made by a famous designer. This vase was decorated by the prominent designer Mark V. Marshall, and would be worth over £5,000; a piece by a less prestigious designer might be worth 10% of that price.

ROYAL COPENHAGEN

The serpentine movement of this group, and the soft pastel shades in which it’s decorated, identify this as a typical piece of Royal Copenhagen porcelain. The group, known as “The Rock and the Wave”, is so popular it’s still reproduced today. Dating can be tricky but different marks were used and these can give a clue as to when the piece was made. £700-900

CLARICE CLIFF

The most famous British Art Deco potter, Clarice Cliff, produced such a plethora of diverse shapes and designs that whole sales are now devoted entirely to her wares. Value is largely determined by the rarity of the design. Small objects, or anything in the “Crocus” pattern are usually the most affordable.

ceramics2

Condition is of paramount importance to value and restoration can be difficult to spot. Check spouts and handles for signs of chipping and run a finger around rims and bases to see if they’re intact.

Most pieces are marked with a printed mark and facsimile signature.

Decoration is often outlined in black.

The warm yellow “honey glaze” gives the background an ivory colour seen on many Clarice Cliff wares.

Although produced in large quantities, all genuine Clarice Cliff, was hand-painted and you should be able to see brush strokes in the coloured enamels.

FUTURISTIC SHAPES, EXEMPLIFIED BY THIS UNUSUAL c.I935 TEAPOT WITH ITS BIZARRELY CURVING LID, ARE A KEYNOTE OF CLARICE CLIFF‘S ADVENTUROUS POTTERY. £300-500

FAKES

The many reproductions and fakes can usually be distinguished by their inferior colour and design. This jug looks washed out compared with the vibrant colours in the teapot, and the handle is too thin.

DESIRABLE DESIGNS

  • Age of Jazz figures
  • Wall masks
  • Inspiration design pieces
  • Circus series — designed by Dame Laura Knight
  • Graham Sutherland designs
  • Frank Brangwyn circular plaques.

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Ceramics Craft Collection