From:Williamson Art Gallery and Museum

Name/TitleDella Robbia Plaque

About this objectA circular plaque of red earthenware slip coated and with sgraffito and hand painted decoration and a pierced foot rim. The decoration comes in the form of slender swirling reeds in green that radiate from the centre. There are also alternating clusters of small white and yellow flowers, all on a turquoise background. The pattern is intricate and the sgraffito linework is precise, showing a skilled hand.

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 from the artist's high period, when she was deeply inspired by art nouveau designs. 

MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)

Maker Rolemanufacturer

MakerWalker, Cassandra Annie (1875-1936)

Maker Roledesigner

Date Made1905

Period20th century

Medium and Materialsearthenware

Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside

Style and IconographyArts and Crafts

Style and IconographyArt Nouveau

Inscription and Marksmarks
D R P M / 1905 / 54 / C A W and (in circle ) 4
Method: inscribed
Position: base

Techniqueearthenware

Measurementsdiameter: 33.6cm

Subject and Association Keywordsflower

Subject and Association Keywordsblossom

Subject and Association Keywordssgraffito

Credit LinePurchased from Birkenhead Market, 1950

Object Typeplaque

Object numberBIKGM.2879

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved