Martin Brothers Wally Bird set to fly

One of the highly coveted Martin Brothers stoneware ‘grotesque’ bird jars has been discovered tucked away in a UK home. The unexpected find is an original example of the brothers’ iconic grotesque avian creations, highly valuable and sought after by collectors and museums around the globe.

This particular stoneware bird dates from 1897 and is modelled with a broad beak, staring forward with a slightly tilted head, with webbed feet. It is glazed in shades of green, ochre and buff with blue highlights to its wing feathers and carries an estimate of £5,000-£8,000. It will be offered in Woolley & Wallis’ Fine Arts and Crafts on June 18.

The sought-after bird jars were designed by Robert Wallace Martin (1843–1923), one of four brothers in the family of pottery manufacturers, which also included Walter Fraser (1857–1912), Edwin Bruce (1860–1915) and Charles Douglas Martin (1846–1910).

The Martin Brothers were in operation from the 1870s, to the First World War, with some work continuing until 1923. They are recognised as a significant influence in the transition from Victorian ceramics to studio pottery in England.

Commenting on the find, Michael Jeffery, 20th Century Design Specialist at Woolley and Wallis auctioneers in Salisbury, said: “The Martin Brothers’ grotesque birds are considered masterpieces of British art pottery and are now viewed as sculptures by international collectors. To stumble across one on a routine valuation is very exciting. These birds are not only whimsical curiosities but are also important cultural artifacts and we are delighted to have the opportunity to be able to offer this one for auction.”

The sale also includes a rare stoneware pond made up of 40 architectural tiles, each decorated with fish, one of only three known examples of a pond made by the Martin Brothers.