Doulton Lambeth Florence Barlow Bird Bowl

Description

For sale is what can only be described as an “uber-rare” Doulton Lambeth bowl by renowned artist Florence Barlow. It dates to 1877 – a lovely early piece.

With birds in relief scrolling down to form feet, this is the only piece of its kind I have seen by Florence Barlow, or even remotely similar! Florence focussed on birds – yes – but she painted remarkably realistic birds in the pate-sur-pate technique onto the facia of her pieces. On this earlier piece, Florence has executed beautiful and bold aesthetic design to the main body, and then opted to add three birds gracing the sides and footing of the bowl. It takes the quality to the next level. The relief work may well be by Frank Butler or John Broad, as collaboration pieces were done between two artists.

The bowl stands 13.5cm high but significantly wider at 23cm. It therefore has a lovely presence and its moderate size would suit a collectors cabinet or be a centre piece on a hall table, sideboard or mantle.

Presented in outstanding original condition, there are no chips, cracks or restoration. The bowl beneath shows the round Doulton Lambeth stamp and date 1877. It further shows the signature of Florence Barlow “FEB” together with assistant marks and code numbers.

Background on Florence Barlow

One of four Barlows to join the Doulton Lambeth studios, Florence decided early on to let her sister Hannah focus on sgraffito animals, whilst she would focus on pate-sur-pate bird designs. Highly creative, bold but with an incredibly eye for detail in the natural form, Florence has become a highly sought after early artist, and for good reason. Her designs are particularly appealing on large vases and lamps.

As a sought-after recognised artist, her works are displayed in the Victoria & Albert Museum, alongside Hannah’s and Arthur’s works. Please click on the image below to view her art at the V&A website:

Florence Barlow Vase