About this objectA Della Robbia red earthenware bowl. It is slip coated with sgraffito and hand painted decoration of geometrical form. There are four decorated panels in cream above a central roundel in brown, green, blue and yellow with a geometric border design in blue, yellow and brown.
Liz Wilkins 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.
This piece demonstrates that even though the glaze technique has not been refined (it is thin and smudged in some places), the design is complicated and takes inspiration from antique Mediterranean pots. It shows promise and artistic potential.
MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)
Maker Rolemanufacturer
MakerWilkins, Liz (born 1878)
Maker Roledecorator
Date Madec.1894-1904
Period19th century
Medium and Materialsearthenware
Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside
Style and IconographyArts and Crafts
Inscription and MarksL E W / D R
Techniqueearthenware
Measurementsdiameter: 19.9cm, height: 6.8cm
Subject and Association Keywordssgraffito
Subject and Association Keywordsgeometrical
Credit LinePurchased from the Christian Jones Collection with the aid of the V&A Museum Purchase Grant Fund
