From:Williamson Art Gallery and Museum

Name/TitleDella Robbia Plaque

About this objectA Della Robbia red earthenware circular plaque. It is slip coated with sgraffito and hand painted decoration in the form of a portrait of a female in Renaissance-style dress with a recurring pattern of sunflowers and leaves in greens, turquoise and yellow on a dark blue background.

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 plate takes heavy influence from the Renaissance as it depicts a portrait of a female dressed in Renaissance clothing at the centre. The use of a dark blue ground is also reminiscent of maiolica plates from the Italian Renaissance. However, the foliage and sunflowers remain in a more Arts and Crafts style, possibly inspired by designs from William Morris. This plate is a perfect example of the combination of Renaissance and Arts and Crafts Styles that was one of the ideals of the Della Robbia Birkenhead.

MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)

Maker Rolemanufacturer

MakerWalker, Cassandra Annie (1875-1936)

Maker Roledesigner

Date Made1904

Period20th century

Medium and Materialsearthenware

Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside

Style and IconographyArts and Crafts

Style and IconographyPre-Raphaelite

Inscription and Marksmark / date
D R P M 1904
Method: inscribed
Position: base

Techniqueearthenware

Measurementsdiameter: 50.3cm

Subject and Association Keywordssgraffito

Subject and Association Keywordsflower

Subject and Association Keywordswoman

Subject and Association Keywordssunflower

Credit LinePurchased from Sotheby's Chester, 1987

Object Typeplaque

Object numberBIKGM.7586

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved