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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.

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

For sale is a stunning and substantial Late Cornflower vase by William Moorcroft, dating between 1925-1935. Decorated with eight large cornflowers in pinks and purples, the vase absolutely explodes with colour. Contrasting wonderfully against a white background, it displays extremely well and is an eye catching centre piece. At 9 inches or 23cm tall and with a circumference of almost 20 inches or 50cm, this is a fabulous size and worthy of any discerning collection.

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.

William Moorcroft “Claremont” Vase – Shape M55, c.1925
A vibrant and highly desirable example of one of Moorcroft’s most celebrated patterns

This exquisite M55-shaped William Moorcroft vase, dating to the mid-1920s, showcases the iconic Claremont pattern—one of the most sought-after designs in the Moorcroft repertoire.

Encircling the body are ten finely tubelined toadstools, rendered in vivid and varied tones: four rich reds, four warm yellows, and two deep, velvety blues. Each cap is detailed with Claremont’s hallmark speckled surface and beautifully defined gill undersides—an artistic hallmark that makes this pattern so visually captivating. The base colour merges lush green and inky blue glazes, creating a moody, woodland atmosphere that complements the naturalistic subject matter.

To the underside, the vase bears the impressed marks “Moorcroft” and “Made in England”, along with the model number “M55”, confirming its authenticity and period origin.

A small, invisible professional restoration has been carried out to the top rim, precisely between a large yellow and large red toadstool. The restoration is of a high standard, with only a subtle uniformity of colour betraying the repaired area under close inspection. Importantly, the most visually dominant red toadstool sits on the opposite, untouched side, making this piece an outstanding display example.

Compact in scale but striking in design, this Claremont vase is a true collector’s gem—a perfect representation of Moorcroft’s artistry during the golden period of British Art Pottery.

Dimensions: Height: 7cm; Width 8cm
Condition: Professionally restored rim; still displays beautifully

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.

Offered for sale is this wonderful lemonade jug by renowned Doulton Lambeth artist George Tinworth. The jug is decorated with his lovely swirling and beaded “Seaweed Scroll” design in the richest of green hues. Intermittent foliage in bold blue has been placed between, above or below the scroll work. The background is in an oatmeal colour repeatedly stamped with a small design to finish the aesthetic intensity of these art pottery pieces. To the top is a silver plated rim, spout and finialed lid . In excellent original condition and fully signed, stamped and dated 1877.

For sale is a delightful and very early Hannah Barlow Horses jug, dated 1874. Presented with two horses galloping to the front of the jug, wild grasses adorn the rear of the jug. Blue foliate designs dominate the neck up to the top rim and are typical of these early, simpler designs that are more understated than flamboyant. The handle is similarly decorated in repeated blue foliates from bottom to top.

In excellent condition, the piece is highly original, with only a small flake invisibly corrected to the rim. Everything else is correct and original as the day it left the factory. Stamped with the early oval Doulton Lambeth mark and dated 1874. Hannah Barlow’s initials are clear beneath as well as a production code.

This is a superb piece of Doulton Lambeth history which displays superbly and has a wonderful glaze to it. Should you be interested, you will not be disappointed adding it to your collection!

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.