From:Williamson Art Gallery and Museum

Name/TitleDella Robbia Jug

About this objectA red earthenware jug/vase in a tall pear shape with 2 applied moulded lizards, 1 forming the spout. The handle is in the form of a cat-headed scroll and finishes as a dolphin-head. It has sgraffito and hand painted decoration with reeds and leaves near a pond.

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 demonstrates skills in moulding as well as an appreciation for the natural world. Lizards were seen as exotic curiosities and that also had links to the prehistoric world. 

The jug was painted by Alice Louisa Jones who joined the pottery in 1903 when she arrived to Wallasey in search of a job. She originally took up painting as a hobby on medical advice but demonstrated potential so she was sent to art classes. She was highly regarded by the pottery owner Harold Rathbone as she was hired instantly and trained in his own personal studio to be a colourist. She frequently exhibited at the Walker Art Gallery's Autumn Exhibitions and had an aptitude for the art nouveau style. She finished all of the remaining pots by request of the liquidators, after the pottery shut its doors in 1906. Afterwards, she managed to continue her artistic career in unorthodox ways, for example, becoming a photograph retoucher.

MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)

Maker Rolemanufacturer

MakerWalker, Cassandra Annie (1875-1936)

Maker Roledesigner

MakerJones, Alice Louisa (1885-c.late 1970s)

Maker Roledecorator

Date Made1903

Period20th century

Medium and Materialsearthenware

Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside

Style and IconographyArts and Crafts

Inscription and Marksmark / date
D R P M / 1903
Method: inscribed
Position: base

Techniqueearthenware

Measurementsheight: 42.7cm, weight: 1845g

Subject and Association Keywordslizard

Subject and Association Keywordsreed

Credit LinePurchased from Birkenhead Market, 1950

Object Typejug

Object numberBIKGM.2882

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved