From:Williamson Art Gallery and Museum

Name/TitleDella Robbia Plaque

About this objectA Della Robbia plaster plaque consisting of 3 small rectangular sections. Each scene portrays 3 children playing amongst plants, all on a blue background.

Ellen Mary Rope was born into an artistically talented family and attended the Slade School of Art in 1877. She would go on to exhibit at the Royal Academy and was held in high esteem by contemporary journalists, having pieces written about her for magazines such as The Studio. She specialised in sculpture and moulding, and spent most of her career working as a sculptor in London. She contributed to the pottery by sending designs for plaques. They were typically in the Arts and Crafts style, focusing on scenes of children and angels which represent innocence in a classical and allegorical way. She remained unmarried, living with her nieces as an 'artist of her own accord', and when she passed away, she left her estate to them.

This piece is a perfect example of her work, being a wall plaque depicting scenes of children. She uses the sweeping plants to create movement, as well as portray a child's relationship with nature as being joyous and harmonious.

MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)

Maker Rolemanufacturer

MakerRope, Ellen Mary (1855-1934)

Maker Rolemodeller and decorator

Date Madec.1897-1906

Period19th century

Medium and Materialsearthenware

Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside

Style and IconographyArts and Crafts

Techniqueearthenware

Measurements1 section: length: 25cm, height: 14cm

Subject and Association Keywordschildren

Subject and Association Keywordsplant

Credit LinePurchased from Harold Rathbone, 1922

Object Typeplaque

Object numberBIKGM.943

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved