From:Williamson Art Gallery and Museum

Name/TitleDella Robbia Jardiniere

About this objectA heavy form jardinière made of red earthenware, with loop handles rising from the shoulders of pot. It is slip coated with sgraffito and hand painted decoration in the form of strap work / latticed tendrils in green. There is a female profile moulded with a wreath and two birds as well as an imp-like portrait.

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.

This piece is possibly influenced by the Mediterranean in its colour scheme of green, orange and blue, as well as by the Pre-Raphaelites in the depiction of a female's side profile.

MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)

Maker Rolemanufacturer

MakerWalker, Cassandra Annie (1875-1936)

Maker Roledesigner

Date Made1899

Period19th century

Medium and Materialsearthenware

Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside

Style and IconographyArts and Crafts

Style and IconographyPre-Raphaelite

Inscription and Marksmark and date
D R P M / 1899
Method: inscribed
Position: base

Techniqueearthenware

Measurementsheight: 27.2cm

Subject and Association Keywordswreath

Subject and Association Keywordswoman

Subject and Association Keywordssgraffito

Credit LinePurchased from Harold Rathbone, 1922

Object Typejardiniere

Object numberBIKGM.929

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved