Della Robbia pottery smashes expectations
The largest ever collection in private hands of the highly coveted and exceptionally rare Della Robbia pottery, which was based in Merseyside, exceeded expectations at auction this week, with lively bidding from collectors from around the world.
The sale at Woolley & Wallis in Salisbury was a rare opportunity to attain works from one of Britain’s most renowned, yet short-lived ceramics factories. Founded in Birkenhead, Merseyside in 1894 by Harold Rathbone (1856-1940) and Conrad Gustave d’Huc Dressler (1856-1940), it was in operation for only twelve years (1894-1906) but was pioneering during this short time.
The pottery has long been admired for its bold experimentation, vibrant glazes and exceptional quality of craftsmanship, which epitomised the spirit of the Arts and Crafts movement.
The collection was carefully curated over many years by a passionate collector, based locally to the factory in Merseyside and comprised a range of exquisite and finely preserved pieces, such as a Pilgrim’s Flask in the sale dating from 1900, which Michael Jeffery described as the finest piece in the collection. The piece was designed by pottery artist at Della Robbia, Ruth Bare and combined both the traditional shape, with classical mask handles modelled to the sides. This was combined with a brilliant Art Nouveau design incised and painted to the body of sinuous foliate stems rising up the vase. In a synthesis of greens and ochres, so typical of the factory’s palette, it sold for a staggering £11,970 against an estimate of £2,000-£3,000.
Michael Jeffery, 20th Century Design Specialist at Woolley and Wallis said: “We are delighted that so many collectors saw the significance of this collection and understood the craftsmanship that each piece embodies. There was lively bidding around the globe to obtain these works, which are exceptionally rare and much-loved.”
A Della Robbia Pottery Cantagalli vase by Hannah Jones, an expert decorator at the Della Robbia factory during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, featured her trademark detailed and vibrant motifs. The ovoid form with applied handles, was incised and painted with Art Nouveau flower and foliate panels, in green, yellow, pink and ochre. It sold for £2,520 against an estimate of £600-£1,000.
An Art Nouveau Della Robbia Pottery vase by Ruth Bare, dated 1900 also performed well. The ovoid form vase, which featured applied fish handles, incised and painted with waterlily flowers and pads. In stunning pink, yellow and green on a chestnut ground, it sold for £2,142 against an estimate of £600-£1,000.
A large Algerian Art Nouveau vase by ELL and Percy Jacques at Della Robbia, beautifully incised and painted with flowers on a striped ground, in turquoise, green, white and yellow sold for £1,890 against an estimate of £600-£800.
Despite its brief existence, the short-lived factory left a lasting mark on British decorative arts, combining medieval Italian influences with the ideals of William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelites. The factory’s short production time made these pieces exceptionally rare and highly sought-after.
Auctioneers Woolley and Wallis set a world auction record for a piece of Della Robbia Pottery in December 2024. The Apple Gatherers, a Della Robbia plaque by Cassandra Annie Walker, sold for a hammer of £14,000.