From:Williamson Art Gallery and Museum

Name/TitleDella Robbia Panel

About this objectA Della Robbia panel of cream coloured earthenware panel moulded in relief on a blue background. Comprises a portrait of Pandora looking to the right with her arms outstretched, opening a box. There is the inscription PANDORA to the top right. 

Walker was a mainstay artist working for the pottery for the majority of its existence. She gained a reputation as being an elite member of the pottery for her painting techniques and artistic designs, even being called on for special commissions. She was also a regular exhibitor at the Walker Art Gallery's Autumn Exhibitions and frequently attended art classes at the Liverpool College for Applied Art and the Art Sheds. The closing of the pottery heavily impacted her finances, later emigrating to Canada in 1908, where she spent the remainder of her life. In her personal life she was described as being free-spirited and also had suffragist sympathies.

In this panel, Walker uses a duotone of blue and cream to illustrate the myth of Pandora as an allegory for women's suffrage and equality.

MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)

Maker Rolemanufacturer

MakerWalker, Cassandra Annie (1875-1936)

Maker Roledesigner

Date Madec.1894-1906

Period19th century

Medium and Materialsearthenware

Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside

Style and IconographyArts and Crafts

Style and IconographyPortrait

Inscription and Marksnumber
" 2 "
Method: inscribed
Position: reverse lower right

Techniqueearthenware

Measurementsheight: 48cm
width: 81.5cm

Subject and Association KeywordsPandora

Subject and Association Keywordsmyth

Credit LinePurchased from Harold Rathbone, 1922

Object Typepanel

Object numberBIKGM.927

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved