From:Williamson Art Gallery and Museum

Name/TitleDella Robbia Clock Case

About this objectA Della Robbia clock case of white earthenware in a box like shape. It has hand painted decoration in relief in the form of pink briar roses on tall stems in the art Nouveau style and turquoise background, on 3 sides. The vines converge in a teardrop shape which perfectly frames the circular space left for a clock face. There is also a relief inscription in Italian to the bottom "IL PROGRESSO SIA IL NOSTRO SCOPO" (Let Progress be our Aim).

Ruth Bare was the daughter of an architect and art writer. She received training at a local art school as well as at the Liverpool 'Art Sheds'. She joined the pottery at age 16 and stayed for the majority of its existence as a colourist. When the pottery closed she settled into domestic life, marrying Positivist minister Otto Baier and having four sons together.

The inscription on the base is a traditional Positivist motto which not only illustrates her alliances to the Positivist church, but also echoes her artistic progress at the pottery. It is a functional object, with connotations of the masculine mathematical world, but it is made more feminine with the inclusion of a flower motif. 

MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)

Maker Rolemanufacturer

MakerBare, Ruth (1880-1962)

Maker Roledesigned and decorator

Date Made1903

Period20th century

Medium and Materialsearthenware

Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside

Style and IconographyArts and Crafts

Style and IconographyArt Nouveau

Inscription and Marksmark
D R P M / B
Method: inscribed
Position: inside

Techniqueearthenware

Measurementsheight: 46.8-47.2cm, top: width: 28cm, bottom: width: 32.7cm, base: diameter: 17cm

Subject and Association Keywordsvine

Subject and Association Keywordsrose

Credit LinePurchased from Harold Rathbone, 1922

Object Typeclock case

Object numberBIKGM.938

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved