Doulton Lambeth Hannah Barlow Lions Biscuit Barrel

Description

Rare Doulton Lambeth Hannah Barlow Lions Biscuit Barrel

This rare and highly sought-after Doulton Lambeth biscuit barrel dates to the early 1890s. Standing 15 cm tall by approximately 13 cm wide at the base, the vessel presents a classic cylindrical form topped by its original, intricately decorated lid. Rich cobalt blue, deep brown, and ivory glazes highlighted by fan-like radiating motifs ornament the cover, creating a striking visual crown.

Around the main body, iconic sgraffito artist Hannah Barlow incised a dramatic, continuous pride scene. The artwork vividly captures a large male lion with a full mane, a young male, and two lionesses seemingly engaged in a quiet exchange. A subtle beaded white border along the foot rim neatly frames the buff stoneware body, enhancing the natural warmth of the ceramic surface.

Collector’s Opportunity

This piece represents a rare and wonderful opportunity to own a lions biscuit barrel complete with its original lid in untouched, pristine condition. Given the masterful craftsmanship and narrative depth of the lion pride, acquiring fine Hannah Barlow stoneware simply does not get much better than this. Her wild big cat subjects remain among her most prized and coveted works.

Artist Background: Hannah Barlow (1851–1916)

Hannah Barlow stands as one of the most celebrated ceramic artists of the Victorian Art Pottery era.

In 1871, she made history as the first female artist hired by Henry Doulton at the Lambeth Pottery. Barlow gained international acclaim for her mastery of sgraffito—a freehand technique where she etched lively animal studies directly into wet clay using a thin blade. While famous for depicting domestic livestock, her rare portrayals of lions and exotic animals display her extraordinary skill in capturing anatomy, texture, and movement.

Given her importance, several pieces are on display at the V&A Museum in London. Please click on the image below to visit their site:

Early Hannah Barlow jug with bunny rabbits – V&A Museum

Provenance & Marks

The underside features clear, deeply impressed factory and artist markings that verify its outstanding origin:

• Doulton Lambeth Stamp: Impressed with the famous Doulton Lambeth “cog” mark alongside “ENGLAND”, securely dating production to the early 1890s.

• Artist Monogram: Hand-incised HBB signature mark belonging to Hannah Barlow.

• Factory Markings: Includes original thrower initials, batch references, and series numbers (909, 5574).

Condition Report

This historic biscuit barrel is in perfect, unrestored original condition.

• Structure: Sound and complete, with no cracks, chips, hairlines, or restorations to either the barrel or its original lid.

• Surface & Glaze: Glazed areas retain deep colour and original sheen. Sgraffito line work remains crisp and clearly defined across all four lion figures.

• Base & Rim: Clean foot rim and edge contours without ground spots, chips, or post-factory wear.