From:Williamson Art Gallery and Museum

Name/TitleDella Robbia Font

About this objectA Della Robbia white earthenware holy water stoup that is moulded in the form of an angel holding a shell. The shell is glazed green, and the angel's hair, brown, whilst the remainder is lightly coloured.

Liz Wilkins joined the pottery aged 15 and stayed until 1904, when she went on to marry Samuel Sergeant. She was from a working class background and had no formal artistic training. Despite this, she was skilled in her sgraffito work and as a colourist, receiving special attention for pieces at the Home and Industry Exhibition in 1900. Her presence at the pottery can be described as being at the heart of the ideals of William Morris, as she was from a humble background who managed to receive some success as a craftswoman.

For this piece, Wilkins played the role of the decorator. Even though the majority of it is lightly coloured, the application of the green and brown glazes does show artistic promise. The layering of green glaze to make the underside of the shell a darker green adds to the sense of depth and naturalism.

MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)

Maker Rolemanufacturer

MakerWilkins, Liz (born 1878)

Maker Roledecorator

Date Made1901

Period20th century

Medium and Materialsearthenware

Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside

Style and IconographyArts and Crafts

Inscription and Marksmark
D R P M
Method: painted green
Position: reverse

Techniqueearthenware

Measurementsheight: 26.7cm, width: 15.2cm

Subject and Association Keywordsangel

Subject and Association Keywordsshell

Credit LinePurchased from Harold Rathbone, 1922

Object Typefont

Object numberBIKGM.936

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved