From:Williamson Art Gallery and Museum

Name/TitleDella Robbia Vase

About this objectA red earthenware vase of inverted shape with slightly flared lip. It had a white slip covering with sgraffito pineapple design in yellow and green and feint red and black. The inside is washed green/turquoise.

Designed by Walker, 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.

The decorator was John Fogo, who worked at the pottery between 1901-5. During his brief stay he demonstrated artistic potential and his work was described as well-designed. However, he was unsatisfied with the 'upstairs/downstairs' class separation that occurred at the pottery. Due to this, he left to work as an apprentice at Laird's shipyard. He was a valuable part of the community and remembered his time fondly in an interview not long before he died in Birkenhead in 1980.

Whilst the sgraffito lines are well executed in a flowing pattern, there are perhaps some issues with the yellow glaze bleeding. 

MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)

Maker Rolemanufacturer

MakerWalker, Cassandra Annie (1875-1936)

Maker Roledesigner

MakerFogo, John (died 1980)

Maker Roledecorator

Date Madec.1901-1905

Period20th century

Medium and Materialsearthenware

Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside

Style and IconographyArts and Crafts

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

Techniqueearthenware

Measurementsheight: 13.4cm

Subject and Association Keywordssgraffito

Subject and Association Keywordspineapple

Credit LineBequeathed by Norah Quinsey, 1982

Object Typevase

Object numberBIKGM.6530

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved