Hannah Barlow

Rare Doulton Lambeth Agate Ware Jug with Sterling Silver Rim, Dated 1892
A highly unusual and artistically rich piece from Doulton’s experimental Agate Ware range

This exceptional Doulton Lambeth Agate Ware jug, standing 20cm tall, is a rare and beautiful example of one of the studio’s most elusive ceramic techniques. Dated 1892, it combines striking form, complex surface decoration, and a unique blend of materials that exemplify the innovation and craftsmanship of late 19th-century Doulton.

The jug is of tapered form, with a rich marbling of variegated brown clay tones characteristic of agate ware—a technique involving the mixing of coloured clays to produce flowing, stone-like patterns across the surface. These naturalistic swirls serve as a dynamic backdrop for a wealth of textural and decorative detail.

The surface features fine vertical linear striations, adding subtle texture, and is punctuated by zigzag miniature impressed motifs that create rhythmic surface interest. Two bold, raised wicker-effect bands—one encircling the base and another just below the collar—add further structure and visual weight to the form. A particularly striking feature is the flamboyant, flared handle, sculpturally sweeping from shoulder to rim with a confident, organic curve.

Crowning the jug is a solid sterling silver mount, hallmarked for London, 1892, and made by the respected silversmiths Cornelius Desormeaux Saunders & James Francis Hollings (Frank) Shepherd. The addition of silver not only elevates the piece but situates it firmly within the decorative luxury market of the time.

To the base are impressed marks including the Doulton Lambeth cogwheel stamp, “England”, the series number 7191, and the incised monogram of decorator Elizabeth Atkins, one of the documented artists of the period.

Agate Ware pieces from Doulton are exceedingly scarce, produced only in limited quantities and rarely seen on the open market today. Their technical difficulty and aesthetic complexity make them among the most desirable of all Lambeth studio wares.

A superb and tactile piece with exceptional presence—this jug would make a standout addition to any advanced collection of Victorian art pottery.

Dimensions: 20cm tall
Condition: Excellent with no restoration
Marks: Doulton Lambeth stamp, “England”, 7191, silver hallmarks (London, 1892), maker’s mark (CS over FS), Elizabeth Atkins monogram

In 1873, Arthur Barlow crafted a remarkable Doulton Lambeth ewer, a testament to his exceptional skill and artistic vision. This ewer, notable for its generous proportions, is adorned with intricate scrolling beadwork, florette roundels, and elegant foliate designs. Characteristic of Barlow’s style, it features his distinctive banding in the background, adding depth and texture to the piece. The top of the ewer is crowned with a solid sterling silver lid, which is original and was crafted in London in 1873 by the esteemed silversmiths Richards & Brown.

The condition of this ewer is impeccable; it remains in its original state with no chips, cracks, or restoration, preserving its historical and aesthetic value. Beneath the foot of the ewer, one can find Arthur Barlow’s signature alongside the Doulton Lambeth oval stamp, authenticating its origin and craftsmanship.

Offered for sale is this very early 1871-1872 gourd vase by the famous Arthur Barlow. Arthur was brother to the famous Hannah Barlow. Extremely disabled from an accident as a child, Arthur Barlow found his purpose and explored his gifts at Doulton Lambeth. He became one of the sought after artists representing often the best of the early 1870s work. He died young in 1877, so his work is rare.

For sale we have a stunning, large Doulton Lambeth bowl by artist Elizabeth Fisher, dating to 1882. The colours and designs both inside and out on this bowl are of the first order, with geometric shapes integrated into softer rounded shapes. The collour way is exquisite – we have rich blues in the centre of the designs, followed by light blue, yellow and then purple and pink to create a most striking bowl. The edge is rimmed with solid silver, made in Birmingham and is original to manufacture.

The Bowl is free from any chips, cracks or restoration. The silver rim is original. Beneath we have Eliza Fisher’s signature, together with the marks of the assistant and thrower, a code “327” and the Doulton Lambeth cog stamp with the date 1882.

For sale we have an early beautiful Doulton Lambeth ewer by rare artist Emily J Edwards, dating to 1875. The design work shows early Tinworth influences, however Emily was a very talented artist and brings her own creativity to the piece. Holly leaves hanging from beaded banding, and then a mix of florals and angular motifs to make this an impressive piece. The dotted collars at the base of the neck show influences from Arthur Barlow too, Adorned with a pewter lid, this piece is as authentic and original as they come. A lovely piece for a rare artist who is much rarer to find than other artists due to her short tenure.

The jug is free from any chips, cracks or restoration. The pewter rim is original. Beneath we have Emily’s signature, together with the marks of the assistant and thrower and the Doulton Lambeth oval stamp with the date 1875.

Antique Doulton Lambeth Jug by Florence Barlow, Dated 1874
An exceptional early work by a pioneering female artist of the Victorian ceramic movement

This distinguished Doulton Lambeth stoneware jug, dated 1874, is a rare and early example of the artistry of Florence Barlow, one of the most important female designers of the Doulton studio and sister to the renowned Hannah Barlow.

The jug features a finely detailed upper register adorned with seven sensitively modelled horse heads, each emerging from the clay in low relief and encircled above and below by delicate beaded borders. The rendering of the horses—marked by expressive line and form—is particularly notable, as Florence would soon transition to specializing exclusively in birds, leaving animal subjects like these to her sister, Hannah. This piece therefore captures a brief and significant phase in her artistic development.

The slender neck and lower body are decorated with stylized blue foliate sheaf motifs, set within zigzag and florette borders, creating an elegant interplay of texture and design across the jug’s surface. The decorative vocabulary is restrained yet dynamic, reflecting the sophisticated aesthetic typical of early Doulton Lambeth wares.

To the base, the jug bears the oval Doulton Lambeth impressed mark with the date 1874 to centre, alongside an early version of Florence Barlow’s personal monogram, confirming its authenticity and origin.

This piece stands as a rare and important example of early Doulton art pottery and of Florence Barlow’s formative work. It would make a significant addition to any collection of 19th-century British ceramics or women’s art pottery.

Dimensions: Height: 23cm ;  Width: 14cm
Condition: The jug has had an older restoration around the rim, where the blue rim border has been repainted. This has been done to a fair standard but due to the age of the repair, there is some age crackling to the restoration. Three florettes have nibbles or chips. Other than this, the vase is untouched.

In 1873, Arthur Barlow crafted a remarkable Doulton Lambeth ewer, a testament to his exceptional skill and artistic vision. This ewer, notable for its generous proportions, is adorned with intricate scrolling beadwork, florette roundels, and elegant foliate designs. Characteristic of Barlow’s style, it features his distinctive banding in the background, adding depth and texture to the piece. The top of the ewer is crowned with a solid sterling silver lid, which is original and was crafted in London in 1873 by the esteemed silversmiths Richards & Brown.

The condition of this ewer is impeccable; it remains in its original state with no chips, cracks, or restoration, preserving its historical and aesthetic value. Beneath the foot of the ewer, one can find Arthur Barlow’s signature alongside the Doulton Lambeth oval stamp, authenticating its origin and craftsmanship.

Rare George Tinworth for Doulton Lambeth – Stoneware Model of a Carpenter’s Bag (c. 1880s–1890s)

This finely modelled stoneware study of a carpenter’s bag is a superb example of the whimsical yet highly skilled designs created under the direction of George Tinworth for Doulton Lambeth in the late Victorian period. Measuring approximately 13.5cm in length and 8.5cm in height, the model is remarkable for both its craftsmanship and detail.

The body of the bag is finished in a warm creamy light brown glaze, while the edges, straps, and handles are picked out in a contrasting darker hue, emphasising the form and adding depth. One side of the bag is richly decorated with Victorian-era woodworking planes, while the opposite side, open and more restrained, reveals only a woodsaw within. On the integrated stoneware plinth, tools of the trade—a mallet to one side and a chisel or file to the other—are carefully arranged, grounding the piece in the world of the Victorian craftsman.

This model captures Tinworth’s hallmark ability to combine utility, charm, and social observation in a single work of art. Pieces such as this, with their humour and realism, were often intended as conversation pieces and today are regarded as rare and highly sought-after examples of Doulton Lambeth artistry.

The base carries the impressed Doulton Lambeth circular mark, together with the initials “EMW”—likely one of the assistants or moulders working under Tinworth’s direction—along with the registration stamp “Rd” and the series number 162583. The piece remains in excellent, unrestored condition, free from cracks or repairs.

A wonderful and rare George Tinworth study, this model exemplifies the creativity and craftsmanship of the Doulton Lambeth workshops at their height and represents a fine acquisition for the discerning collector of Victorian stoneware and Tinworth’s celebrated oeuvre.

For sale we have this outstanding quality Hannah Barlow biscuit barrel decorated with six cats in various states from relaxation to spats! The navy sgraffito work is some of the best we’ve seen and is a testament to her skills as a master ceramicist at Doulton Lambeth. This piece looks so good we decided to display it for a couple of years before deciding to put it up for sale. The barrel boasts one large work of a sleeping cat, two cats having a stand-off spat, and three others sitting and socialising. Such as endearing piece. The top and bottom borders are bands of mini florettes and blue rush groups repeated all the way around. Two blue lug handles finish the effect on either side.

Condition wise, there are a few things to mention here. First, and rather obviously, the lid has gone missing and this is an old replacement lid that came with the piece when we acquired it. The original lid would have been stoneware. Secondly, the top rim has two nibbles (one 5mm and the other 1mm) and the top inside rim also has two nibbles (one 8mm and the other 5mm). The base edge has one 2mm nibble. Other than this, there are no other cracks, chips or any restoration to the piece. The photos clearly show the condition. Beneath, we have Hannah Barlows “HBB” monogram together with the shape code 498 and the Doulton Lambeth cog and “England” present and correct. This places the production of the piece around the early 1890s.

If as a collector you can look past the lid and a few nibbles to the tremendous quality of this example, this is a piece that will give you a lot of enjoy.