From:Williamson Art Gallery and Museum
Name/TitleDella Robbia Dish
About this objectA Della Robbia red earthenware dish that is slip coated with sgraffito and a hand painted decoration. Depicted are six fish in red and green, grouped and radiating around a fly in the centre. The border emulates water with starfish and jellyfish in yellow.
Ruth Bare was the daughter of an architect and art writer. She received training at a local art school as well as at the Liverpool 'Art Sheds'. She joined the pottery at age 16 and stayed for the majority of its existence as a colourist. When the pottery closed she settled into domestic life, marrying Positivist minister Otto Baier and having four sons together.
She was heavily interested in botany, joining the Liverpool Naturalist's Field Club that was lead by fellow pottery member Emily Margaret Wood. This piece demonstrates Bare's ability to capture nature in detail. Â
MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)
Maker Rolemanufacturer
MakerBare, Ruth (1880-1962)
Maker Roledesigner
MakerBare, Ruth (1880-1962)
Maker Roledecorator
Date Madec.1896-1906
Period19th century
Medium and Materialsearthenware
Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside
Style and IconographyArts and Crafts
Inscription and Markspottery mark
R B / 17 / D R / R B
Techniqueearthenware
Measurementsdiameter: 26.3cm
Subject and Association Keywordsfish
Subject and Association Keywordssgraffito
Subject and Association Keywordsstarfish
Subject and Association Keywordsjellyfish
Credit LinePurchased from the Christian Jones Collection with the aid of the V&A Museum Purchase Grant Fund
Object Typedish
Object numberBIKGM.8211
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved
