Martin Brothers

For sale is a wonderful, early Martin Brothers aquatic jug dated January 1884.

Aquatic Jug – Robert Wallace Martin

The Martin Brothers were renowned for their extraordinary skill in ceramics, known for their unique and imaginative designs. This jug, likely crafted by Robert Wallace Martin, embodies these characteristics. Robert, the eldest of the Martin brothers, was celebrated for his detailed and creative work. His pieces often drew inspiration from nature, as seen in the lifelike representations of marine life on this jug.

Condition and authenticity depiction of the skate, mackerel, and eels adds a dynamic and captivating element to the piece. These features are typical of Robert Wallace Martin’s work, known for infusing personality

In summary, this piece is beautiful, highly original  and its condition is immaculate, with no damage or restoration. The detailed skate, mackerel, and eels, set against a naturalistic background, showcase the remarkable skill and creativity of the Martin Brothers. Signed and dated January 1884, this jug is a valuable and collectible example of their early work, sure to be cherished by the discerning collector.

For sale is this superb Martin Brothers Aquatic Fish vase which is a striking example of their exceptional artistry. The vase features banding at both the top and bottom, framing the whimsical scene. The main part of the vase displays eight fish, each with a whimsical expression and in different poses. These fish are set against a blue and cream background, creating a captivating seawater effect. Interspersed among the fish are seaweed and shells, adding to the aquatic theme. This vase, likely made by Robert Wallace Martin, showcases the exceptional skill of the Martin Brothers beautifully.

Double Ribbed Martin Brothers Lustre vase – June 1907

For sale is this really interesting example of Edwin and Walter Martins’ organic pottery work. The vase is of subtle bulbous form, with a multitude of thin horizontal ribs and then large pronouced vertical ribs from the waist to the top rim. The Brothers have then applied a rich deep brown / dark grey / black colour with metallic oxide to give a wonderful lustre to the piece. In the photographs, observe the different angles where we try and illustrate the effect. This is a wonderful example of their work and is a most subtle, yet highly competent execution.

Condition and Provenance

The vase is in excellent original condition, with no chips, cracks, or repairs. A couple of specks on the main body of the vase are small imperfections during the manufacture of the vase. The signature beneath is 100% consistent with period pieces and is marked “6-1907, Martin Bros, London & Southall”, again entirely consistent and authentic. See the V&A Museum picture below of a virtually identical example from the same year by Edwin.

Martin Brothers Early Stamped Small Jug

For sale is this truly delightful early Martin Brothers jug, dated 23-06-1880. Rare to find, this jug is stamped with the early “R.W. Martin Southall” stamp which dates it authentically to 1880.

To the top half, the jug has been coloured with a mix of rich brown and light metallic oxides to give the brown an additional sheen to it. Beneath, bandings of small circles and lines separate the brown top section from the framing of the zig-zag simple foliate and flower desgned motifs. A subtle olive-green presents in the centre bandng and onto the jug handle for further contrast to this wonderful early piece.

Beneath, the R.W. Martin Southall” stamp is clear as well as the hand-inscribed date of 23-06-1880.

This piece is in wonderful orginal condition and is free from any chips, cracks or repairs. It measures 14cm tall by approximately 10.5cm wide including the handle.

This is Martin Brothers in its simple authenticity, in wonderful condition. Adding it to your collection will not disappoint and it is a lovely size for a cabinet.

Robert Wallace Martin Early Gentlemens’ Cigar Lamp

For sale is this incredibly rare Robert Wallace Martin Gentlemen’s cigar lamp. I have only ever seen this example from the Martin Brothers, so I am confident these are rarer than hen’s teeth.

Presenting as a central oil burner with wick, it has been fitted with finely worked white metal (a silver plate metal) of excellent quality. No wear to the metal to the base layer is evident and it polishes beautifully. Any dullness is a light tarnish that removes easily. Three identical “wands” rest in the protruding wand sections, and each wand and wand seat has matching numbers 1-3 for the wands to know their position.

The way the lamp worked was each of three gentlemen took a wand, and using papers from their vespa cases, would wedge the paper into their wand and be able to light their cigars from the comfort of their leather chair, whilst the lamp remained in the centre of the table. Lighting the cigar from a “clean” paper prevented the cigar’s flavour from being contaminated by the oil flame from the lamp.

Decorated with blue floral designs with a subtle green and blue banding between, the stems rise with a lovely natural green glaze to the silver tops. Set on three bulbous feet, with three layers of small shapes banding each foot, this delightful piece is quintessential late 1870s to early 1880s Martin Brothers! Whilst approximately 14.5cm tall and 9cm across, it is very solid and weighs 710g!

Beneath  the cigar lamp is the signature of Robert Wallace Martin (R.W. Martin), the figure “8” and then “Southall”.

This piece is in wonderful orginal condition that is ready to brace any serious collectors collection. Even better if you and the friends enjoy an occasional cigar, as it is a novelty that can be safely and robustly used without fear of damage as it is so well made.

Martin Brothers Gnarly Olive Jug

Presenting an exceptional, historic gnarly-designed Martin Brothers art pottery jug, measuring approx. 22.5cm in height and 12.5cm in diameter. This piece from a highly sought-after potter features a robust baluster form jug, resting securely on a flared circular foot. Its gnarly silhouette is defined by a bulbous lower body that tapers into a cylindrical neck, culminating in a sweeping pouring lip and an applied, sturdy strap handle.

The jug is characterized by its tactile, heavily ribbed texture, a testament to its hand-thrown origins by eccentric brothers. A rich, dark olive-brown salt glaze dominates the meticulously textured body and handle. This deep, lustrous finish contrasts strikingly against the lighter, biscuit-toned clay left exposed at the rim, the interior, a thin defining band at the shoulder, and the foot. This earthy, two-tone palette masterfully accentuates the horizontal throwing lines that encircle the entire vessel.

Beneath the foot, the unglazed natural clay base proudly bears the authentic, hand-incised cursive signature reading “Martin” and “London”, securing its prestigious provenance. Preserved impeccably, this remarkable piece presents in excellent, original, and entirely undamaged condition, making it a museum-quality acquisition for discerning collectors of late 19th and early 20th-century British studio pottery.

What exactly is it?

For sale is this highly unusual and grotesque Martin Brothers reptile sitting on top of an upside down mushroom. Intricately constructed with a body hideous to behold, we have not seen another quite like this piece. The creature, with almost human like face, has a hand to its mouth like it is whistling, whilst its menacing double-taloned feet grip the underside of the mushroom. The body is contorted and detailed as if scaly, the texture brought out by blue against the otherwise pale cream colourway. The creature has a long tail, going down to the base of the mushroom stem and then curling around. The mushroom has long painted green strokes.

Which brother made it?

Likely to have been made by the brother most famed for grotesque, whimsical and macabre creations, Robert Wallace Martin.

Martin Brothers Imp playing the Blocks – Robert Wallace Martin

For sale is this delightful and cheeky looking imp playing the blocks. It is in excellent condition, with a very minor old “touch in” to the tip of the block instrument. Otherwise it is in wonderful original condition. It hails from the prominent collection of Barry Stock, a well known collector based out of the UK.

The Martin Brothers Imps are a fascinating and highly collectible series of grotesque figures, each one depicting a whimsical imp engaged in playing various musical instruments. These figures, created by the renowned Martin Brothers, are celebrated for their unique blend of humor, artistry, and intricate craftsmanship. The Martin Brothers—Robert Wallace Martin, Edwin Martin, Walter Martin, and Charles Martin—were pioneers in the field of ceramic art during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They are best known for their imaginative and often eccentric creations, which have garnered a dedicated following among collectors and art enthusiasts.

For sale is this four lobed couldron vase. This vase is 10cm tall by 12.5cm wide! With a glittering lustre, this is a specia piece of Martin Brothers pottery.

For sale is this diminutive vase, likely to have been made by Edwin Martin, the youngest of the Martin Brothers. This vase is tiny  – 4cm tall by 3.75cm wide! In low light, one might mistake it as being black, but under light a strong blue shows through. With a delicate little top rim, and traditional rounded shape, it really is a vase in miniature!