From:Williamson Art Gallery and Museum

Name/TitleDella Robbia Plate

About this objectA Della Robbia red earthenware plate that is slip coated white and painted with a pre-Raphaelite style head of Narcissus amongst flowers of that name, in tones of green and turquoise.

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.

Walker was inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites' depiction of allegory and nature. The story of Narcissus is used as a cautionary tale of self-obsession and beauty.

MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)

Maker Rolemanufacturer

MakerWalker, Cassandra Annie (1875-1936)

Maker Roledecorator

Date Made1904

Period20th century

Medium and Materialsearthenware

Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside

Style and IconographyPre-Raphaelite

Style and IconographyArts and Crafts

Inscription and Marksmark / date/ initials / number
D R P M / 1904 / C A W / 35
Method: painted green
Position: base

Techniqueearthenware

Measurementsdiameter: 27cm

Subject and Association Keywordsflower

Subject and Association Keywordssgraffito

Subject and Association Keywordswoman

Subject and Association Keywordsnarcissus flower

Object Typeplate

Object numberBIKGM.2892

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved