From:Williamson Art Gallery and Museum

Name/TitleDella Robbia plaque

About this objectA Della Robbia white earthenware plaque that is part of a set. It is moulded in an oblong shape. The scene depicts 3 child musicians leaning against a tree, with 4 listening children on each side. The artist uses a similar colour scheme of browns, yellows and greens on a blue background in other pieces.

Ellen Mary Rope was born into an artistically talented family and attended the Slade School of Art in 1877. She would go on to exhibit at the Royal Academy and was held in high esteem by contemporary journalists, having pieces written about her for magazines such as The Studio. She specialised in sculpture and moulding, and spent most of her career working as a sculptor in London. She contributed to the pottery by sending designs for plaques. They were typically in the Arts and Crafts style, focusing on scenes of children and angels which represent innocence in a classical and allegorical way. She remained unmarried, living with her nieces as an 'artist of her own accord', and when she passed away, she left her estate to them.

This piece epitomises Rope's style of depicting scenes involving children at peace with nature. The artist creates visual symmetry with the tree in the centre and an even number of children on each side to reinforce the idea of harmony in nature.

MakerDella Robbia Pottery (active 1894-1906)

Maker Rolemanufacturer

MakerRope, Ellen Mary (1855-1934)

Maker Roledesigner

Date Madec,1897-1906

Period19th century

Medium and Materialsceramic

Place MadeBirkenhead, Merseyside

Style and IconographyArts and Crafts

Inscription and Markssignature
E M R
Method: moulded
Position: front lower left

Techniqueceramic

Measurementsheight: 29.5cm, length: 49cm

Subject and Association Keywordschildren

Subject and Association Keywordsmusic

Subject and Association Keywordstree

Object Typeplaque

Object numberBIKGM.237a

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved