From:Williamson Art Gallery and Museum

Name/TitleDella Robbia Plate

About this objectA Della Robbia red earthenware plate. It is slip coated with sgraffito and hand painted decoration in the form of alternating pairs of leaves in green and yellow. It has a brown background with a geometric border pattern in cream, brown and green.

It was designed by Charles Collis, one of the most prolific clay decorators and designers at the pottery. He was a determined individual, set on becoming a professional ceramic artist. He alternated his periods spent at the pottery with working at other potteries and factories such as Doulton. This led him to experiment with new techniques and designs. His life and the activity of the pottery are well documented in his memoirs. Although he received no named recognition in articles in The Studio, he was well regarded by Rathbone. From a working-class background, born and bred in Birkenhead, his artistic determination is representative of Morris' values of craftsmanship.

This piece demonstrates an experimentation with Mediterranean style pottery, with the use of browns, yellows and greens and the complicated repeating geometric pattern.

This piece was painted by Liz Wilkins, of whom Collis frequently collaborated with. She joined the pottery aged 15 and stayed until 1904, when she went on to marry Samuel Sergeant. She was from a working class background and had no formal artistic training. Despite this she was skilled in her sgraffito work and as a colourist, receiving special attention for pieces at the Home and Industry Exhibition in 1900. Her presence at the pottery can be described as being at the heart of the ideals of William Morris as she was from a humble background who managed to receive some success as a craftswoman.

Unfortunately, the glaze has run in several places, but it still demonstrates some artistic potential as it was made in the early years of the pottery.

MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)

Maker Rolemanufacturer

MakerCollis, Charles (1879-1966)

Maker Roledesigner

MakerWilkins, Liz (born 1878)

Maker Roledecorator

Date Made1895

Period19th century

Medium and Materialsearthenware

Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside

Style and IconographyArts and Crafts

Inscription and Marksgalleon motif with the initials of the Della Robbia Pottery either side
D R P M
Method: incised
Position: base

Techniqueearthenware

Measurementsdiameter: 18.2cm

Subject and Association Keywordsleaf

Subject and Association Keywordssgraffito

Credit LinePurchased from the Christian Jones Collection with the aid of the V&A Museum Purchase Grant Fund

Object Typeplate

Object numberBIKGM.8212

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved