About this objectA Della Robbia red earthenware figure of a cat-like creature. It is slip coated with scraffito daisy-like flowers and then covered overall with a turquoise glaze.
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 is simply decorated with a turquoise glaze and sgraffito flowers, but its impact lies in the fact that it is not naturalistically depicted. In this era, cats could be interpreted as symbols of domesticity as well as female elegance and grace.
MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)
Maker Rolemanufacturer
MakerWilkins, Liz (born 1878)
Maker Roleartist
Date Made1901
Period20th century
Medium and Materialsearthenware
Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside
Style and IconographyArts and Crafts
Inscription and Marksgalleon motif with initials either side and date/initials below
D R / 19 01 / LW
