From:Williamson Art Gallery and Museum

Name/TitleDella Robbia Vase

About this objectA two-handled Algerian vase of red earthenware with a baluster shape. It is slip coated and with hand painted decoration in the form of entwined and overlaid course toothed and heart shaped foliage, in green and yellow, reoccurring "Glasgow" roses in yellow and red.

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 reminiscent of designs by William Morris, a pioneer of the Arts and Crafts Movement, as well as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a pioneer of art nouveau, with its depiction of stylised oak leaves as well as "Glasgow" roses.

MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)

Maker Rolemanufacturer

MakerWalker, Cassandra Annie (1875-1936)

Maker Roledecorator

Date Madec.1894-1906

Period19th century

Medium and Materialsearthenware

Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside

Style and IconographyArts and Crafts

Inscription and Markssgraffito mark / number
462 / D R P M
Method: inscribed under slip
Position: base

Techniqueearthenware

Measurementsheight: 39.8cm

Subject and Association Keywordsrose

Subject and Association Keywordsoak leaf

Credit LinePurchased from Birkenhead Market, 1950

Object Typevase

Object numberBIKGM.2886

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved