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Vase with random glaze effects

Manufacturer (Smethwick, England, 1898 - 1935)
Designer (Lincoln, England, 1876 - 1935)
Date1900 - 1949
Object NameVase
Mediumearthenware
ClassificationsCeramics
Dimensions23.7 x 9.8cm
AcquisitionRobinson-Young Collection, purchased in 1998 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions and with income from the John Black Trust and the Hamilton Bequest.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationOn Display - Gallery 12
Object numberABDMS030632
Keywords
About MeThe Ruskin Pottery was established around 1904 in Smethwick, Birmingham, by William Howson Taylor within his father's tile factory which had been in operation since 1898. The name of the pottery reflected the contemporary interest in John Ruskin and the arts and crafts movement. Simple shapes inspired by Chinese wares enhanced the effects of Howson's interest in transmutation glazes. The glazes and colours were lead free and the decoration was all hand painted. The method of firing caused the unique and random glaze effects. Lustres were produced in many colours including lemon yellow and orange. Production ceased in 1933, with the factory finally closing in 1935.


More About Me
Ruskin often used simple Chinese shapes, the randomness of the glaze achieved by the method of firing. The distinctive red, sang de boeuf, was developed by the company.
Exhibitions