From:Williamson Art Gallery and Museum

Name/TitleDella Robbia Vase

About this objectA Della Robbia Dutch vase of red earthenware in a bulbous form with a narrow neck. It is slip coated with sgraffito and hand painted decoration in the form of cinquefoil flowers alternating with sprays of pointed leaves in yellow and green.

It was designed by Liz Wilkins, who 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 at the 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 design shows promise as it references the Arts and Craft's obsession with nature as well as illustrates a complicated pattern of intertwining leaves and stems.

The sgraffito was executed by 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 by 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 remembers his time fondly in an interview not long before he died in Birkenhead in 1980.

The sgraffito is well-executed, in particular in the intertwining vines on the lid of the vase. 

MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)

Maker Rolemanufacturer

MakerFogo, John (died 1980)

Maker Roledesigner

MakerWilkins, Liz (born 1878)

Maker Roledecorator

Date Made1904

Period20th century

Medium and Materialsearthenware

Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside

Style and IconographyArts and Crafts

Inscription and Markspottery mark / initials / date / code
J 271 / D R / 19 LW 04 / B.HEAD / (c) / 935

Techniqueearthenware

Measurementscirc: 75cm, height: 31cm

Subject and Association Keywordsleaf

Subject and Association Keywordssgraffito

Subject and Association Keywordscinqfois

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

Object Typevase

Object numberBIKGM.8220

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved