33 minute read

CLOCKS

17

A Martin Brothers stoneware architectural watch stand by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1875, circular base on curved tripod stem, the pierced circular face with styilsed geometric flowers, in green and ochre, highlighted in white, with silver pocket watch, incised no.2 R W Martin London 3-1875, 14cm. high

Provenance

The George Twyman Collection of Martin Ware.

British Art Pottery Woolley and Wallis Auctioneer’s, 27th November 2019 lot 65. Private collection.

18

A Martin Brothers stoneware clock case by Robert Wallace Martin, circular drum case, modelled with a ferocious dragon fighting a serpent, wrapped around it, glazed green, tan and blue, the circular dial enamelled with daisy flowers in blue and white, incised R W Martin London & Southall, JSM Scott collection paper label, 18.5cm. high

Provenance

Mrs Frances Louisa Dickson, Honorary Keeper of Ceramics, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, 1928­1962.

Vincent Thomas Antiques, Dorset.

John Scott Collection, 1976­2014.

Fantastique, Sinai & Sons, Masterpiece, London 2015, catalogue number 41. Private collection.

Exhibited

Martin Brothers Pottery, Richard Dennis, 1978, catalogue number 717. The Cult of Beauty The Aesthetic Movement 1860-1900, Victoria & Albert Museum, 2011, Musee D’Orsay & Museum of Fine Arts San Francisco 2012.

19

An early Martin Brothers stoneware mantel clock by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1874, architectural form, modelled on four pillars, supporting winged lions, the arched top with circular dial, with Lund & Blockley clock, incised with foliate panels, glazed blue and ochre with white highlights, incised no.18 R W Martin, London 12-1874, 19.5cm. high

Provenance

British Art Pottery Woolley and Wallis, 25th November 2009, lot 8.

Private collection.

20

A Martin Brothers stoneware mantel clock and candlestick garniture by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1875, the clock with pitched roof, modelled with winged dragons perched on capitals, incised with stylised foliage panels, glazed green, blue and brown, the candlesticks with knopped column carved with entwined fighting dragons, incised Martin 1875 to backplate, and number 36, 27.5cm. high (clock), 20cm. high (candlesticks),

Provenance

Private collection.

A Martin Brothers stoneware Gothic architectural watch case by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1876, modelled as a ruined gothic building with circular tracery window with a martin bird flying past, the base an open niche with an owl and three chicks nesting, glazed in brown, blue and green, incised R W Martin London 1876, and no.5 to base, 26cm. high

Provenance

The Peter Rose & Albert Gallichan Collection, purchased circa 1975.

An Aesthetic Odyssey, The Peter Rose and Albert Gallichan Collection, Christie’s, 30th September 2021, lot 46.

Private collection.

Literature

Malcolm Haslam, The Martin Brothers Potters, Richard Dennis Publications, 1978, page 16, fig. 10.

P. Rose, The Grotesque Ceramic Sculpture of Robert Wallace Martin (1843-1923), The Journal of the Decorative Arts Society 1850 ­ the Present, 1979, volume 3, page 48, plate 1.

Brian Coleman, The Best of British Arts & Crafts, Schiffer Publishing, page 12, 26.

Exhibited

Martin Brothers Pottery Exhibition, 1978, Richard Dennis, catalogue number 58.

An early Martin Brothers stoneware salad bowl with metal mount by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1875, circular, applied and incised with flowers, inside scrolling foliage with mythical creatures, in brown green and blue on a buff ground, above formal foliage band, the metal rim with cast scrolling foliage handles, incised 2 - R W Martin London 6-1875, 29.5cm. wide.

Provenance

Decorative Arts and Design from 1870, Sotheby’s Olympia, 29th May 2003, lot 116. Private collection.

23

An early pair of Martin Brothers salt­glaze stoneware flasks by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1877, footed, disc form, modelled in low relief with a child’s head with flower and leaf wreath, inside radiating flower stems and foliate panels, glazed blue and grey highlighted in gilt incised 2-21877, R W Martin, London 1&2, 19.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

24

An early Martin Brothers stoneware jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1874, shouldered form, applied with florets, the textured ground with elliptical panels of foliage in colours, the angular handle surmounted with a field mouse, incised E-15 R W Martin 10-74, 25.5cm. high

Provenance

British Art Pottery & Design, Woolley and Wallis 20th October 2021, lot 1. Private collection.

25

An early Martin Brothers stoneware jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1874, shouldered form, incised with stylised foliage bands of body and neck, the handle modelled as a greyhound with an animal in its mouth, glazed in colours on a buff ground, incised A15, R W Martin London 12-1874, 15cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

26

A Martin Brothers stoneware jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1879, tapering cylindrical form with architectural tracery handle, incised with stylised dragons in scrolling foliage, below two diving swallows, in blue on an olive green ground, the spout modelled as a mask issuing from foliage, incised 345 - 22.4.79 R W Martin London & Southall, 21cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

27

An Aesthetic Movement large Martin Brothers stoneware vase on ball feet by Robert Wallace Martin, ovoid form, incised with stylised sunflower stems, below arched foliage and stylised flowers, in brown, green and blue on a buff ground, incised R W Martin London & Southall, 33cm. high

Provenance

Private collection. Purchased circa 1978 from an Oriental dealer shop in Seymour Place, London.

An early Martin Brothers stoneware vase by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1876, shouldered, solifleur form, modelled in low relief with fruit foliate sprays, with butterflies, glazed in brown and blue on a textured, brown ground, the neck with stiff­leaf foliage band, incised R W Martin 1876, 28.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

29

An early Martin Brothers stoneware vase by Robert Wallace Martin, Fulham period, slender, shouldered form with cylindrical neck, modelled in low relief with birds perched on fruiting boughs, in shades of blue and brown on a green ground, the neck with a band of stylised foliage incised D.20 R W Martin Fulham, 28.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

30

A large and early Martin Brothers stoneware vase by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1876, slender, shouldered form, incised with a broad band of birds perched and flying amongst fruiting boughs, incised scroll architectural border, the shoulder incised with classical portrait roundels, between textured bands, in shades of brown, ochre and blue on a buff ground, the cylindrical neck with spiralling bands of stiff­leaf decoration, highlighted with white, incised 33 R W Martin London, 4-1876, 56cm. high

Provenance

Samuel Avery, who purchased from the pottery directly. Dawson’s 21st September 2019, lot 227.

31

A Martin Brothers stoneware ewer by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1880, Persian form the tapering square section spout with grotesque animal terminal, the body incised and painted with scrolling foliage, in shades of green and ochre on tan ground, with silver neck and hinged cover, incised 27.2.80 R W Martin, London & Southall, 18cm. high

Provenance

Private collection

32

A Martin Brothers stoneware Commemorative teapot and cover made by the brothers together, dated 1906, made to commemorate the return of their brother James A Martin to England from Australia, faceted octagonal form, incised with panels ‘JAM left England for Australia June 1867’ and ‘JAM returned to England on a Visit May 1906’, incised panels of Martin family initials, the cover with nine flying House Martin birds, in brown and blue on a buff ground, the base inscribed ‘ In Affectionate Remembrance of Robert Thomas Martin also Margaret Martin, God is Love’, the brothers parents, incised to cover 8-1906 Martin Bros London & Southall, 24cm. wide

Provenance

Private collection.

The teapot is inscribed with a series of family initials, comprising

R.W.M ­ Robert Wallace Martin

E.M Elizabeth Martin ­ wife of Robert Wallace Martin

Their children

C.R.T.M ­ Clement Martin

A.M.M.M ­ Amy Martin

Deceased siblings

W.C.M ­ William Campbell Martin

O.C.M ­ Olive Martin

Sisters (to the brothers)

F.E.K ­ Francis Elizabeth Kelly

A.M.C ­ Alice

Brothers

C.D.M ­ Charles Douglas Martin

W.F.M ­ Walter Fraser Martin

E.B.M ­ Edwin Bruce Martin.

33

A rare Martin Brothers stoneware jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1877, ovoid with applied handles, modelled in low relief squirrels amongst scrolling foliage, in white and ochre on a tan ground, the handle decorated in low relief with a screaming mask, incised R W Martin, London 3-1877, 18cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

34

An early Martin Brothers stoneware jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1882, cylindrical form, incised and painted with a Blacksmith working at the furnace, the reverse hammering at the anvil, in colours, inscribed to the base of the jug ‘You can hear him swing his heavy sledge with measured beat and, slow. Week in and week out, from morn to eve, you can hear his bellows blow’ the base inscribed 2.6.82 R W Martin, London & Southall, 23cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

35

A Martin Brothers salt­glaze stoneware

Musicians jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1900, square section, modelled in low relief with medieval figures playing musical instruments, in colours, incised 1-1900, R W Martin & Bros London & Southall, 23cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

36

An early Martin Brothers stoneware vase by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1882, tapering cylindrical form, with applied mask handles, incised and painted with a king seated on his throne, between two panels, one panel revelling common men toasting the king, the other panel resting knights in attendance, in colours on a buff ground, incised 16&17 4.82, R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 21cm. high

Provenance

Arts and Crafts, Woolley and Wallis Auctioneers, 22nd June 2016, lot 60. Private collection.

37

A pair of Martin Brothers stoneware vases by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1887, shouldered, cylindrical form with applied angular handles, incised and painted with wild poppies, foxgloves and spring flowers, in white and green on a buff ground, incised 1-1887, R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 21.5cm. high

Provenance

British Art Pottery, Woolley and Wallis

Auctioneers, 25th November 2009. Private collection.

40

A Martin Brothers stoneware flask by Robert Wallace Martin, circular, footed form, incised with a pair of flycatchers perched in a tree, glazed in shades of brown and white on a buff ground, the back and sides a broad frieze of scrolling foliage, incised R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 18cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

41

A Martin Brothers stoneware vase by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1891, ovoid with flaring rim, incised and painted with narcissi and bluebell flowers, glazed in shades of white, green and brown on a tan ground, incised 11-1891, R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 19cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

42

A Martin Brothers stoneware vase by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1889, slender, shouldered form, incised and painted with foxglove flowers, in white and green on a buff ground, incised 10-1889 R W Martin & Bros London & Southall, 32.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

38

A Martin Brothers stoneware vase by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1889, shouldered ovoid form with collar neck, incised with stylised wildflowers in shades of white and brown with light blue highlights, incised 8-1889, R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall 20cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

39

A Martin Brothers stoneware jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1890, tapering cylindrical form, incised and painted with foxgloves and wild flowers, in green, white and brown with blue highlights on a buff ground, incised 4-1890, R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 24.5cm. high

Provenance

Christie’s 16th February 1994. Private collection.

43

A Martin Brothers stoneware Orchid vase by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1890, slender, shouldered form, incised and painted with frilled orchids, with insects and butterflies, glazed brown, green and white on a buff ground, incised 6-1890 R W Martin Bros, London & Southall, 35cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

46

44

A Martin Brothers stoneware wall vesta by Robert Wallace Martin, square section back plate, modelled in relief with a bowl mounted on foliage bracket, modelled with a grotesque face corbel, glazed blue and ochre, incised R W Martin Southall, 15cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

45

A Martin Brothers salt­glaze stoneware heraldic shield by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1898, architectural shieldshaped panel, modelled in low relief with a central trifurcated cross and four birds, possibly a variation of Edward The Confessor’s coat of arms (which has five birds), glazed brown on a buff ground, incised Martin Brothers London & Southall, 2-1898, 19.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

46

An unusual Martin Brothers stoneware Eagle vesta by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1874, circular backplate with a bust of an eagle, glazed in tan with white and blue highlights, incised R W Martin Fulham, 4-1874, 14cm. diam.

Exhibited

The Martin Brothers Pottery Exhibition, Richard Dennis, catalogue no.30.

Provenance

Private collection.

47

A large and early Martin Brothers stoneware Boar wall pocket by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1876, deeply carved, naturalistically modelled glazed blue and grey­green, on scrolling back plate, incised R W Martin, London 12-1876, 21cm wide.

Provenance

Private collection.

48

A Martin Brothers stoneware salt by Robert Wallace Martin, square section, the body modelled and pierced with four grotesque fish, glazed green blue and brown, incised R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 8cm. high, 9.5cm. wide.

Provenance

AD Antiques.

Private Collection.

Literature

British Art Pottery, Woolley and Wallis Auctioneer’s, 27th November 2019, lot 175 for a comparable example dated 1900.

49

A Martin Brothers stoneware Owl jug by Robert Wallace Martin, shouldered form, incised with plumage, large rosette eyes to the neck, glazed green and ochre, highlighted with blue, incised R W Martin Southall 3-1878, number 100, 22.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

50

An early Martin Brothers stoneware Owl jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1875, tapering cylindrical form, modelled and incised with an owl design, in green, buff and brown with blue rim, incised D.24 RWMartin London, 11-1875, 24.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

51

A Martin Brothers stoneware Swan vase by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1893, the ovoid body with slender neck modelled with two swan handles, the body modelled in low relief with Bacchanalian masks inside scrolling foliage with dragon terminals, glazed green and white on a buff ground, incised 10-1893, Martin Bros London & Southall, 22.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

52

A Martin Brothers stoneware jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1892, shouldered form, modelled and incised with a large Bacchanalian mask, inside grape and vine frieze, in shades of green and brown on a buff ground, incised Martin Bros London & Southall, 11-1892, 23.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

53

A Martin Brothers stoneware Eskimo jug and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1903, modelled as a figure in full length fur coat, with only his face showing, glazed tan and brown on a cream ground, incised R W Martin & Bros London & Southall, 7.7.1903, 35cm. high

Provenance Private collection.

54

A Martin Brothers salt­glaze stoneware figural Toby jug and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1903, modelled as a man seated, holding a pipe and tumbler, glazed green and white on a buff ground, incised R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 10,10,1903, 25cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

Literature Judy Rudoe, Decorative Arts 1850-1950, a Catalogue of the British Museum Collection, page 74 catalogue number 171, known from three or four examples, including one in the British Museum Collection which may have been exhibited at Fulham Public Library in 1929.

55

A Martin Brothers salt­glaze stoneware Face Whisky flask by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1900, modelled in relief with a smiling face with pursed lips, with long curly hair, glazed brown and buff, highlighted in white, with silver stopper marked Whisky, 12-1900 RWMartin & Bros, London & Southall, Richard Dennis label, 19cm. high

Provenance

Martin Brothers Pottery Exhibition, Richard Dennis, 1978 catalogue number 378 .

Daryl Fromm Collection.

Private collection.

56

A Martin Brothers John Barleycorn salt­glaze stoneware jug by Robert Wallace Martin, modelled in relief, highlighted in white and black, glazed brown handle and top rim, incised R W Martin & Bros, Southall 17.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

57

An unusual Martin Brothers stoneware face jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1880, modelled in low relief with a smiling face, the reverse a smirking expression, glazed buff with aubergine­brown shoulder, incised R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 10.1880, 19.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

58

A Martin Brothers salt­glaze stoneware face jug by Robert Wallace Martin, modelled in relief with a smiling face, the reverse a smiling face poking its tongue out, highlighted with white and black, incised R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 17.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

59

A Martin Brothers salt­glaze stoneware face jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1899, modelled in relief with a smiling bearded man to one side, the reverse a grimacing man with bristles and long hair, glazed tan and brown with white highlights, incised R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 4-1899, 18.5cm. high

Provenance

Richard Dennis, Private collection (purchased from Richard Dennis in the early 1970s).

60

A large Martin Brothers stoneware face jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1903, modelled in relief with a smiling face to both sides, glazed sand brown with black and white highlights incised R W Martin & Brothers London & Southall, 2.1.1903, 21.5cm. high

Provenance Private collection.

61

A Martin Brothers salt­glaze stoneware face jug by Robert Wallace Martin, modelled in relief with a smiling face, the reverse with pursed lips, glazed in brown, highlighted in black and white, incised R W Martin & Bros Southall, 15.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

Provenance

Bought from the Martin Brothers shop by Francis Trickett, a wine and spirit merchant from Sheffield. Private collecti

A fine Martin Brothers stoneware face jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1889, the round jug with over slung handle, modelled in low relief with happy, smiling grotesque face to one side with toothy grin, the reverse with simple smile and sidewards glance, glazed brown and ochre, highlighted in white, incised 10-1889, R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 17.5cm. high

Provenance

The Martin Brothers Potters, Woolley and Wallis Auctioneers, 31st October 2005, lot 38. Private collection.

65

Brother Jonathan and John Bull a Martin Brothers stoneware face jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1899, modelled in relief with a bearded Brother Jonathan casting a sideways glance, John Bull looking forward with a smile, glazed matt brown with silver­grey highlights, incised 8-1899 R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 19.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

Literature

Charles R Beard A Catalogue of the Collection of Martinware Formed by Mr Frederick John Nettlefold, London 1936, page 220­23, plates 62­63 for a similar example.

66

A small Martin Brothers stoneware face jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1912, modelled in relief to both sides with a smiling face, glazed and highlighted in black and white, incised R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 11.11.1912, 13.5cm. high

Provenance Private collection.

67

A Martin Brothers salt­glaze stoneware Barrister face jug by Robert Wallace Martin, modelled in relief with a stern face, the reverse with downcast face, wearing a wig, highlighted with white and black, incised R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 16.5cm. high

Provenance Private collection.

A Martin Brothers stoneware Devil jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1889, the ovoid jug modelled and incised in low relief with a horned Devil face, in brown and black, highlighted with white incised 9-1889, R W Martin & Bros London & Southall, and paper label, 24cm. high

Provenance Private collection.

69

A Martin Brothers stoneware single­handled vase by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1891, ovoid with loop handle, modelled in low relief with a large sun face, inside scrolling foliage border, glazed tan and brown, highlighted with white on a royal blue ground, incised 10-1891 Martin Bros, London & Southall, 22.5cm. high

Provenance Private collection.

70

A large Martin Brothers Bacchanalian stoneware jug by Robert Wallace Martin, ovoid, incised in low relief with a grotesque mask, in brown and buff, with white highlights, on a mottled and crackled blue and green ground, incised Martin Bros, 91, London & Southall, 29cm. high

Provenance Private collection.

71

An unusual Martin Brothers stoneware grotesque bottle vase by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1889, modelled in relief with a smiling anthropomorphic creature to one side, the reverse with a more sinister grinning face, glazed ochre and brown, incised 4-1889, Martin Bros, London & Southall, 23.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

72

A Martin Brothers stoneware grotesque jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1903, ovoid incised in low relief a Bacchanalian smiling face, to both sides, glazed metallic black, incised 6-1903 Martin Bros, London & Southall, 27cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

73

An unusual Martin Brothers stoneware grotesque footed bowl by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1880, modelled as a woven bowl with inverted rim, on modelled base of four grotesque figures, glazed ochre, brown and tan, incised Martin, London & Southall, 4-5-1880, 23cm. diam. 16.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

74

A rare Martin Brothers stoneware architectural Fish by Robert Wallace Martin, probably part of a fountain, grotesquely modelled with gaping mouth and bulging white eyes, spiky gills and long top fin, its tail curled back into the body, glazed green, brown and tan, with later wooden stand incised Martin London & Southall, 26cm.

Provenance

Stanley Goulden, Portobello Road.

John S M Scott, 1968­2014.

Fantastique, Sinai & Sons, Masterpiece, London 2015, catalogue number 35.

Private collection.

Exhibited

Martin Brothers Pottery Exhibition, Richard Dennis, 1978, number 719.

75

A Martin Brothers stoneware Carp fish by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1896, naturalistically glazed, on later wooden frame, incised Martin Bros, London & Southall, 1-1896, 25cm. wide

Provenance

Private collection.

76

A Martin Brothers stoneware Bass fish by Robert Wallace Martin, naturalistically glazed, on later wooden frame, incised Martin Bros, London & Southall, 25cm. wide

Provenance

Private collection.

77

A Martin Brothers stoneware Fish salt by Robert Wallace Martin, modelled as a scaly fish with wide gaping mouth, glazed matt green and aubergine, incised Martin Bros London & Southall, 12cm. long

Provenance

Private collection.

78

A small Martin Brothers Grotesque inkwell by Robert Wallace Martin, modelled as a blow­fish with gaping mouth glazed green and ochre incised Martin Bros London & Southall, 8.5cm. wide

Provenance David Rago Auctions Private collection.

79

A Martin Brothers stoneware Fish spoonwarmer by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1881, modelled as a round, scaly fish, its tail scrolled back to form handle, gaping mouth and round eyes, glazed green and brown with blue and white highlights, incised R W Martin London & Southall, 1,4,81, 19cm. wide

Provenance

AD Antiques. Private collection.

80

A Martin Brothers stoneware Fish jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1883, the slender jug modelled as a rotund fish with gaping mouth, the tail curved up to form the handle, incised fins and scales, large round eyes, glazed green and ochre on a buff ground, with blue and white highlights, incised 6-83 Martin & Bros London & Southall, 13.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

Literature

Malcolm Haslam, The Martin Brothers Potters, Richard Dennis, page 62 fig.IX for comparable fish jugs illustrated.

81

A Martin Brothers stoneware spoonwarmer by Robert Wallace Martin, modelled as an ovoid grotesque creature, gaping open mouth and flat nose, the handle modelled as a long tail, glazed green and blue, incised 9 R W Martin London & Southall, 14cm. high

Provenance

British Art Pottery, Woolley and Wallis Auctioneer’s 25th November 2015, lot 89. Private collection.

82

A Martin Brothers stoneware Fish spoonwarmer by Robert Wallace Martin, modelled resting on its front fins, head held upwards with open gaping mouth, incised and glazed in shades of green, incised Martin Bros London & Southall, 15cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

Literature

The Martin Brothers, Rago/Chasen, 1995, cat. no. 41.

83

A Martin Brothers stoneware Grotesque reptile spoonwarmer by Robert Wallace Martin, the ovoid reptilian body, curled short tail, broad smile above carved beard, with human hands, glazed green and brown, R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 13cm. high

Provenance

AD Antiques, 2010.

Private collection.

Literature

Malcolm Haslam, The Martin Brothers Potters, Richard Dennis, page 62 figure IX, this spoonwarmer illustrated.

84

A Martin Brothers stoneware Grotesque rodent spoonwarmer by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1879, modelled as a bearded grotesque with gaping mouth, the body incised with fur, glazed green and blue incised 27 R W Martin London & Southall, 11-79, 14.5cm. wide

Provenance

AD Antiques, 2010.

Private collection.

Literature

The Martin Brothers, Rago/Chasen, 1995, cat. no. 47.

85

A small Martin Brothers stoneware Grotesque by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1894, modelled with insect thorax body and anthropomorphic head, glazed brown, incised Martin Bros London & Southall, 5-1894, 11cm. wide

Provenance

Private collection.

Literature Malcolm Haslam, The Martin Brothers Potters, Richard Dennis, page 62 figure IX, this grotesque illustrated.

86

A Martin Brothers stoneware Grotesque by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1894, modelled as a reptile with scaly body and anthropomorphic face, glazed blue and green, incised 4-1894 Martin Bros London, 11cm. wide

Provenance Private collection.

87

A Martin Brothers stoneware Tortoise inkwell by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1910, glazed in shades of brown and green, with white highlights, incised 5-1910, Martin Bros London & Southall, 13cm. wide

Provenance Private collection.

88

A Martin Brothers stoneware Bird decanter and stopper by Robert Wallace Martin, modelled as a rotund bird with long neck, the stopper the birds head with broad beak, naturalistically glazed in brown and green with white highlights, incised R W Martin & Bros London & Southall, 25.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

89

A Martin Brothers stoneware Grotesque jug by Robert Wallace Martin, modelled as a squirrellike rodent seated on haunches, mouth gaping, its tail forming the handle, glazed green and blue with white highlights, incised Martin London & Southall, 23.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

90

A Martin Brothers stoneware Grotesque spoonwarmer by Robert Wallace Martin, modelled as a fish with gaping mouth, its forked tail arched to form a handle, incised texture, glazed brown and buff incised R W Martin London & Southall, 25cm.high

Provenance

Private collection.

91

A rare Martin Brothers stoneware Tortoise by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1904, naturalistically modelled glazed in colours, highlighted with white incised 3-1904 Martin Bros London & Southall, 27cm. wide

Provenance

Private collection.

Literature Malcolm Haslam, The Martin Brothers Potters, Richard Dennis, page 80 figure XIV for a comparable tortoise dated 1898.

92

A small Martin Brothers Grotesque jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1884, modelled as a rodent figure seated on haunches, its curly tail forming the handle, glazed green, brown and buff, incised 1- 84 Martin London, 8.5cm. high

Provenance Private collection.

93

A Martin Brothers stoneware Grotesque jug by Robert Wallace Martin, ovoid body with modelled arms with long spindly fingers, open mouth forming spout, the head with crest, glazed green with white highlights, incised Martin London & Southall, 13.2cm. high

Provenance Private collection.

94

A Martin Brothers salt­glaze stoneware Grotesque jug by Robert Wallace Martin, modelled as a seated grotesque creature with long thin arms, large gaping mouth and small round eyes, textured brown and buff glaze, incised Martin Southall, 10.5cm. high

Provenance Private collection.

95

A Martin Brothers salt­glaze stoneware Bear by Robert Wallace Martin, modelled seated, glazed brown, incised 11-81 Martin Bros London & Southall, 8.5cm. high

Provenance Private collection.

96

A Martin Brothers stoneware Grotesque rodent jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1880, modelled seated on haunches with gaping mouth, its tail curled to form the handle, glazed ochre and buff, highlighted with white incised 31.8.80 R W Martin London & Southall, and impressed Martin mark, 14cm.high

Provenance

The Martin Brothers Potters, Woolley and Wallis Auctioneer’s, 31st October 2005, lot 21. Private collection.

97

An unusual Martin Brothers stoneware jug by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1881, modelled with ovoid body, open­mouthed with teeth showing, the handle formed by a curved tail, naturalistically glazed in brown and ochre, R W Martin London & Southall, 81, 28cm. wide, 21.5cm. high

Provenance

Cheffins, 24th February 2022, lot 26. Private collection.

98

A Martin Brothers stoneware Grotesque ewer by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1880, compressed scaly body, the neck modelled as an animal head, the handle a looped tail, glazed blue and ochre, impressed Martin mark, incised R W Martin London & Southall, 31.8.80, 10.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

99

An unusual Martin Brothers stoneware Grotesque ewer by Robert Wallace Martin, the rounded, tapering cylindrical body with over slung handle, the neck modelled as round grotesque rodent head with gaping mouth, glazed grey, ochre and green, incised R W Martin, London & Southall, 25.5cm. high

Provenance

Decorative Arts and Design from 1870, Sotheby’s Olympia, 29th May 2003, lot 357. Private collection.

102

A fine Martin Brothers stoneware bird vase by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1903, tapering square section, modelled in low relief to each side with a bird, perched inside foliate border, one wading bird with a snake trapped under its claw, glazed in shades of green, blue, aubergine and brown, on a buff ground, incised R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 8.1903, 27cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

Literature

Malcolm Haslam The Martin Brothers Potter’s, Richard Dennis, page 149 figure 235 for a comparable example.

103

A Martin Brothers earthenware Bird flask by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1896, square section, each side incised and painted with an anthropomorphic shoebill bird, glazed in colours on a buff ground, incised 2-1896, Martin Bros, London & Southall, 20cm. high

Provenance

Canterbury Auctions (one of a pair). Private collection.

101

A page of Anthropomorphic Birds pencil sketches on conte paper probably by Robert Wallace Martin of birds, judge birds and a bald headed monk the reverse with studies of two birds heads in profile, the front with number annotations, in modern frame unsigned

41 x 27cm (image) 54.5cm x 40cm (frame)

Provenance

Sylvia Powell. Private collection.

Arts and Crafts, Woolley and Wallis, 15th June 2022, lot 55.

Literature

Malcolm Haslam The Martin Brothers Pottery, Richard Dennis Publications, page 89 figure 124, this sheet illustrated and attributed to The Martin Studio circa 1895. Wonderous Beasts, Feathered Fantasies: R W Martin & Brothers, Phillips, New York, 15th December 2015, page 5­6 this illustration reproduced.

105

104

An early Martin Brothers stoneware jug by Robert Wallace Martin, shouldered form, incised with a broad band of scaly fish swimming amongst waterweed, in blue on a buff ground, incised R W Martin, Martin and 675 London & Southall 24.5cm. high

Provenance

South London Gallery, Southwark Art Collection/Southwark Council.

The fish on this jug is based on the sheet of studies of Cat fish, see catalogue number 105.

105

Robert Wallace Martin (1843­1923)

Studies of Fish ink wash and pencil on paper, annotated with numbers in pencil, framed unsigned, 35 x 23cm (sheet)

Provenance

Lionel Lambourne. Abbot and Holder (where attributed to Edwin Martin). Private collection.

106

An early Martin Brothers stoneware Aquatic vase by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1879, ovoid with waisted neck, flaring rim and applied lug handles, incised with scaly fish in shades of blue and tan on a silver­grey ground, incised 272 R W Martin, London & Southall, 25.5.79, 26.5cm. high

Provenance

Woolley and Wallis. With AD Antiques.

107

A Martin Brothers stoneware Aquatic wall plate by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1891, incised to the well with a crab, starfish and three shells, amongst waterweed, the rim a frieze of grotesque fish and eels swimming amongst waterweed, in blue and brown on a buff ground, highlighted in white incised 8-1891 R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 19.5cm. diam.

Provenance Private collection.

108

A Martin Brothers stoneware Aquatic vase by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1887, slender, shouldered form with short neck and swollen rim, incised and painted to the body with grotesque fish and eels swimming amidst waterweed, in green and brown on a buff ground, with blue and white highlights, the neck with a band of swimming fish, incised 7-1887, R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 28.5cm. high

Provenance Christie’s 30th September 1991. Private collection.

Literature Ernest Marsh The Martin Brothers, Apollo magazine, this vase illustrated page 128.

110

A fine pair of Martin Brothers stoneware Aquatic vases by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1895, slender, baluster form, incised with anthropomorphic grotesque fish swimming amongst octopus, star­fish, jelly­fish, eels, shrimps and waterweed, finely incised and painted in shades of green and brown on a pale blue ground, incised 6-1897 R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 40.5cm. high

Provenance

The Roy Aitken Collection, Sotheby’s 18th April 1978, lot 131. The Harriman Judd Collection, Sotheby’s New York, 6th October 2001, lot 129. Private collection.

111

A large and impressive Martin Brothers stoneware vase by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1893, incised with grotesque dragons fighting entwined snakes, in shades of brown, blue and green on a buff ground, incised 11-1893 R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 46.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

112

A Martin Brothers stoneware vase by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1888, shouldered cylindrical form, incised and painted with lizards, snakes and reptiles amongst scrolling foligae, in ochre and brown on a buff ground, the collar neck with stylised foliage frieze, incised 11-1888 R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 23.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

113

A Martin Brothers stoneware Dragon vase by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1896, shouldered, ovoid form, incised with anthropomorphic lizard­like dragons in green and ochre on a silver­grey ground, incised 10-1896, Martin Bros, London & Southall, 21.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

114

A Martin Brothers stoneware Dragon loving cup by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1890, tapering cylindrical form with twin­handles, incised and painted with a ferocious dragon holding a shield, dated 1890, the reverse with a dragon, the shield initialled CM, the handles modelled as a snake consuming its own tail, in shades of ochre, tan and blue on a buff ground, incised 3-1890 R W Martin & Brothers, London & Southall, 16.5cm. high

Provenance

Sotheby’s, 26th March 1991. Private collection.

115

A Martin Brothers stoneware Dragon wall plate by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1886, incised to the well with a dragon in scrolling foliage, in brown on a buff ground, inside scrolling foliage border, incised 2 R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 11-1886, 25.5cm. diam.

Provenance Private collection.

A Martin Brothers stoneware grotesque Bird teapot and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1896, modelled as a bird with swept back wings, the spout an anthropomorphic face, covered in a rich brown glaze, incised R W

Martin & Brothers, London 1-1896, R W M sc, 17cm. high, 27cm. wide

Provenance

Private collection.

Literature

Christie’s King Street, 21st October 1974 lot 76a for a comparable teapot.

117

A rare Martin Brothers stoneware rodent jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1899, modelled standing on haunches, its tail wrapped around its body, front paws modelled by its side, the head with short snout and forward cast gaze, ears erect, glazed brown and tan with black and white highlights, on ebonised wood base, incised 3-1899

Martin Bros London & Southall, 29cm. high

Provenance

John Frederick Cheetham, Cheshire UK. The Astley Cheetham Art Collection, Stalybridge, UK. Dennis Attewell.

Fine European Ceramics & Glass, Sotheby’s London, July 8th 1997, lot 167, Private collection.

Wonderous Beasts, Feathered Fantasies: R W Martin & Brothers, Phillips, New York, 15th December 2015, lot 15.

Private collection.

Literature

Malcolm Haslam The Martin Brothers Potters, Richard Dennis, page 150 figure 239.

Exhibited

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, 1971­1997 (on loan).

118

A Martin Brothers stoneware Toby dog jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1903, modelled seated, wearing ruff collar, glazed white and matt tan, on ebonised wood base, incised 8-1903 Martin Bros, London & Southall, 15cm. high

Provenance

Hoffmann collection.

Private collection.

119

A large Martin Brothers stoneware Toby dog jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1895, modelled seated on haunches, wearing a ruff collar, glazed in shades of brown with white highlights, on ebonised wood base, incised Martin Bros London & Southall, 10-1895, 29cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

120

A Martin Brothers stoneware Toby dog jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1903, modelled seated wearing broad ruff, glazed silver­grey, matt buff with white and black highlights, on ebonised wood base, incised 8-1903 Martin Bros, London & Southall, 16.5cm. high

Provenance

Richard Dennis. Private collection.

Fifteen comprising:

A rare Martin Brothers earthenware grotesque reptile jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1895, modelled seated with webbed feet, wide smiling, closed mouth and staring eyes, the scaly body glazed green and brown, highlighted with white, on ebonised wooden base, painted Martin Brothers London & Southall, 12-1895 to rim of neck, 26.5cm. high

Provenance

Hoffmann Collection, David Rago, lot 17. Private collection.

Birds

124

An early Martin Brothers stoneware Chick bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1881, the rotund bird with big webbed feet, the fixed, downcast head with long thin beak and round staring eyes, glazed green, brown and tan with blue highlights, on ebonised wood base, incised R W Martin London & Southall, 19.9.81. to neck and plaque on webbing of foot, Richard Dennis exhibition label, 27cm. high

Exhibited

Martin Brothers Pottery Exhibition, Richard Dennis, 1978, exhibition number 109.

Literature

Malcolm Haslam The Martin Brothers Potters, Richard Dennis Publications, page 95, Figure XI this bird illustrated.

Provenance

With AD Antiques.

123

A Martin Brothers stoneware Chick bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1880, rotund body with short tail, on webbed feet, the fixed head with slender tapering beak and round eyes, glazed olive green and brown with blue and white highlights, incised R W Martin London & Southall 13.7.80, 23cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

An unusual Martin Brothers stoneware bird by Robert Wallace Martin, modelled with webbed feet, body leaning forward, the fixed round head with broad open mouth and sleepy eyes, glazed dark green and ochre, highlighted with white, on ebonised wood base, incised to a plaque to the collar of the head R W Martin Sc London & Southall, 28cm. high

Provenance

128

A small Martin Brothers stoneware bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1914, modelled on claw feet, standing with wings tucked in, broad flat beak and squinting eyes, glazed blue, green and brown, on a buff ground, on ebonised wood base, incised R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 8.7.1914, 18.5cm. high

Provenance

Christies 23rd July 1993.

Private collection.

129

A Martin Brothers stoneware bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1913, modelled standing on claw feet, wings tucked in, with broad flat beak and sidewards gaze, glazed blue and green on a buff ground, with white and olive highlights, on ebonised wood base, incised R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 11.1913, 19.5cm. high

Provenance

Christies, 23rd September 1993. Private collection.

130

A Martin Brothers stoneware double bird group by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1914, modelled as two brothers, one with wing outstretched around the other, each casting a sideways glance, glazed blue green and olive on a buff ground, with white highlights, on ebonised wood base, incised R W Martin & Bros London & Southall 7-3-1914, 21.5cm. high

Provenance

Bonhams 15th December 2016, lot 207. Private collection.

A large Martin Brothers stoneware Owl spoonwarmer by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1895, large ovoid body with claw feet, gaping open beak, with pronounced feather ears, glazed tan and brown, highlighted in white and black, incised 10-1895 Martin Bros, London & Southall, 26cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

Exhibited

The Martin Brothers Potters, Woolley and Wallis, October 2006.

133

A Martin Brothers stoneware Owl bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1902, modelled as a slender, mother owl, standing on square base, glazed in shades of green and brown highlighted in red on a buff ground, on an ebonised wood base, incised R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 3, 5.1902, 21.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

This bird and the other two single owls form a family of three birds ­ each with the distinct number 3 to the base.

Literature Malcolm Haslam The Martin Brothers Potters, Richard Dennis, page 149 figure 237 this bird illustrated.

134

A Martin Brothers stoneware Owl bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1903, modelled as a father owl, on domed circular base, glazed green and pale blue on a buff ground, on ebonised wood base, incised R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 30.11.1903, 27cm. high

Provenance

Design, Christie’s 1st December 2005, lot 125 Private collection.

135

A Martin Brothers stoneware Owl bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1903, modelled as a young owl bird, on square base, glazed aubergine and green on a buff ground with blue highlights, on square ebonised wood base, incised R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 5.1902, 21cm. high

Provenance Private collection.

136

A Martin Brothers stoneware miniature bird by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1914, modelled standing with large claw feet, head cast to one side with broad long beak and staring eyes, glazed green and brown, on ebonised wood base, 3.12.14, R W Martin & Bros, Southall, 7cm. high

Provenance

Sotheby’s Auctioneer’s purchased in the 1970s. Private collection.

137

A Martin Brothers stoneware bird jar and cover, dated 1890, modelled standing with webbed, claw feet, wings tucked in, open beak and staring eyes giving a happy expression, glazed green, brown and blue with white highlights, on ebonised wood base, incised and painted R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 2-1890, 32cm. high

Provenance

Bought from the Martin Brothers shop by Francis Trickett, a wine and spirit merchant from Sheffield. Private collection.

138

The New Year’s Day Bird a Martin Brothers stoneware bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1875, modelled with claw feet and long tail feathers, the leaning, fitted head with outstretched beak and mohican crest of feathers, glazed mustard, brown and dark green with white and blue highlights, incised R W Martin & Bros London & Southall, 1.1.85, to neck and roundel to base, 28cm.high

Provenance

Sylvia Powell Decorative Arts, London 2009, private collection.

Wonderous Beasts, Feathered Fantasies: R W Martin & Brothers, Phillips, New York, 15th December 2015, lot 3.

Private collection.

141

A Martin Brothers stoneware bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1904, modelled upright with tucked in wings, broad beak with forward looking eyes, plumage glazed buff with green and blue highlights, on ebonised wood base, incised R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 6-6-1904, 23.5cm. high

Provenance

Private collection.

139

A Martin Brothers stoneware bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1908, modelled standing on claw feet, with short wings, broad, matt green beak and forward looking contented eyes, glazed green, blue and brown with white highlights, on ebonised wood base, incised R W Martin, London & Southall, 15.10.1908, 23.5cm. high

Provenance

Purchased directly from the Martin Brothers shop by Francis Trickett, by repute.

Private collection.

140

A Martin Brothers stoneware bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1903, modelled standing with webbed aubergine coloured feet, long, slim wings tucked in, short green beak and squinting eyes, glazed green, blue and aubergine with white highlights, on ebonised wood base, incised Martin Bros 10-1903, London & Southall, 22cm. high

Provenance

The Martin Brothers Potters, Woolley and Wallis

Auctioneers, 31st October 2005.

Private collection.

A fine Martin Brothers stoneware bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1886, modelled standing, with claw feet, wings tucked in behind, chest puffed out, long downcast beak, with feathers forming a moustache, staring glaze through half open eyes, in shades of green, ochre and buff on ebonised wood base, incised Robert Wallace Martin & Brothers, London & Southall, 9-1886, the base also signed R W Martin Sc, Richard Dennis Exhibition paper label, 34cm. high

Provenance Private collection.

Literature

Garth Clark, The Potter’s Art, Phaidon, page 125 this bird illustrated.

143

A Martin Brothers stoneware bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1898, modelled standing on claw feet, his head with broad, flat beak and sidewards knowing glance, glazed green, blue and brown, with blue and white highlights, incised Martin Bros London & Southall 9-1898, 27.5cm. high

Provenance

British Art Pottery, Woolley and Wallis

Auctioneer’s 3rd December 2014, lot 121

Private collection.

144

A Martin Brothers stoneware Monk bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1892, modelled standing on claw feet, with one wing stretched out to side, brown beak and balding pate, casting sideways glance, glazed in shades of brown, green and ochre with bright blue highlights, ebonised wood base, incised Martin Bros, London & Southall 71892, 27cm. high

Provenance

The Harrimann-Judd Collection, Sotheby’s New York, lot 224. Private collection.

145

A Martin Brothers stoneware bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1893, claw feet, the portly bird with wings tucked in, large, wide brown beak and sly sideways cast gaze, glazed in green, brown and blue on a buff ground, with white highlights, ebonised wood base, incised Martin Bros 2-1893 London & Southall, 31cm. high

Provenance

Private collection of Martin Ware

Arts and Crafts, Woolley and Wallis, 6th October 2020, lot 74. Private collection.

146

Provenance

147

A Martin Brothers stoneware bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1899, the tall bird with claw feet, wings tucked in, broad brown beak and casting a sideways glance, glazed brown, buff and green, with white highlights, ebonised wood base, incised Martin Bros, London & Southall, 3-1899, 34.5cm. high

Provenance

Martin Bros, Jordan Volpe Gallery, October 1981. Private collection.

148

A Martin Brothers stoneware bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1904, the slender bird on claw feet, wings tucked in with shoulders, short matt brown hooked beak and staring eyes, under thick feather eyebrows, glazed in green and brown on a buff ground, highlighted in blue and white, on ebonised wood base, incised Martin Bros London & Southall, 6-1904, 29cm. high

Provenance

Decorative Arts, Christie’s King Street, 1974. Private collection.

151

A Martin Brothers stoneware bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, modelled standing with claws crossed, wings tucked in, broad beak and piercing forward looking stare, glazed green, blue and aubergine, on a buff ground, incised R W Martin & Bros London & Southall, 27cm. high

Provenance

Decorative Arts from 1880 to the Present Day, Christie’s London, February 16th 1994, lot 92, private collection.

Wonderous Beasts, Feathered Fantasies: R W Martin & Bros, Phillips, New York, 15th December 2015, lot 5.

Private collection.

Literature

Malcolm Haslam, The Martin Brothers Potters, Richard Dennis, page 88 figure 120.

152

A Martin Brothers earthenware Monk bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1887, modelled standing, leaning forward on claw feet, the head with sharp, hooked beak, staring eyes and balding pate, glazed brown with green and white highlights, on ebonised wood base, incised 10-1887 R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 24.5cm. high

Provenance

Skinner’s Auctioneer’s lot 9. Private collection.

153

A tall Martin Brothers stoneware bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1899, standing on large claw feet, his long wings tucked behind, broad, flat beak, with forward staring eyes, glazed green and brown on a buff ground, with white highlights, on ebonised wood base, incised 2-1899 Martin Bros London & Southall, 35.5cm. high

Provenance Private collection.

154

A Martin Brothers stoneware bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1891, with sharp talon claws, ovoid body with tucked in wings, slightly open, broad beak, and partially open eyes, glazed green, blue and brown with white highlights, on ebonised wood base, incised Martin Bros London & Southall, 1-1891, 28.5cm. high

Provenance

Decorative Arts, Christie’s King Street, 1974.

Leicester Museum & Art Gallery 1979­2006, on loan. Private collection.

155

A Martin Brothers stoneware Shoebill bird jar and cover by Robert Wallace Martin, dated 1884, with claw feet, slender body with tucked in wings, fitted head shaped forward with sly sideways glance, glazed brown and dark green, highlighted with white, incised R W Martin & Bros London & Southall, 1884 to neck and collar, 36cm. high Provenance

Oswald Wallace esq. 19th March 1885 purchased from Brownlow Street for £3.30. Woolley and Wallis, 11th December 2013, lot 21. Private collection.

156

Provenance

Ceramic

Wonderous