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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.

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.

Antique Doulton Lambeth Stoneware Jug with Victorian Silver Rim

Overview

This exceptional Doulton Lambeth stoneware jug, dated 1878, represents a stunning example of late 19th-century British art pottery. Hand-decorated by renowned artist Florence Barlow, this piece balances rich cobalt glazes with delicate, organic forms. A hallmarked Victorian silver rim crowns the vessel, adding a layer of functional luxury to a celebrated art pottery design.

Description

The jug features an ovoid body transitioning into a flared neck and an elegant strap handle. Striking vertical panels define the design, alternating between deep cobalt blue and soft cream glazes. Raised white beaded slipwork accents the central seams, introducing rhythmic texture to the smooth glaze. Near the foot and neck, stylized feather and leaf motifs flow naturally around the body, highlighting the movement inherent in Barlow’s work. A hallmarked Victorian sterling silver rim from Birmingham caps the top, providing a crisp contrast to the earthy stoneware.

About Florence Barlow & Her Style

Florence Elizabeth Barlow ranks among the most influential decorators of the Doulton Lambeth studio, where she worked from 1873 to 1909. Alongside her sister Hannah Barlow, Florence pioneered early studio ceramics for women during the Arts and Crafts movement.

While Hannah specialized in incised animal scenes, Florence gained acclaim for her delicate botanical treatments, bird studies, and structural foliate patterns. Her work relies on flowing forms, texture, and natural harmonies. This jug highlights her mastery of line, space, and applied slip decoration, showcasing her refined decorative balance.

Provenance & Marks

The underside bears clear, authentic factory marks confirming its origin:

• Manufacturer Mark: Impressed circular “Doulton Lambeth” mark with the production year 1878.

• Artist Monogram: Incised “FEB” monogram for Florence Elizabeth Barlow.

• Assistant Marks: Additional impressed assistant monograms, including “HW” (Henry Winstanley).

• Silver Rim: Fully hallmarked Victorian sterling silver from the Birmingham assay office.

Condition & Dimensions

• Condition: Excellent original condition. The piece shows no damage, cracks, chips, or restoration. The silver rim remains securely fitted with light, age-appropriate patina.

• Height: 22 cm

• Width: 13 cm (approximate)

Collector’s Summary

Early dated pieces by Florence Barlow remain highly prized by collectors of Victorian art pottery and Arts and Crafts design. The combination of Barlow’s distinct hand-carved detailing, rich glaze execution, and a hallmarked silver mount makes this piece a rare and valuable addition to any serious collection.

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 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.

A rare 1887 Doulton Lambeth stoneware vase designed by celebrated artist Eliza Simmance. Featuring rich cobalt blue glazes and hand-detailed floral work, this 18 cm piece is in flawless original condition. Complete with impressed factory and artist marks on the base.

Early Doulton Lambeth Stoneware Jug by Arthur Barlow, dated 1874, with Silver Mounts and Hinged Lid

This exceptional jug, produced in 1874, is a particularly fine example of Arthur Barlow’s mature decorative style. The elegant ovoid body rises to a tall, tapering neck and is fitted with an ornate silver-mounted hinged cover, its repoussé decoration complementing the flowing organic forms of the pottery beneath. The substantial swept handle provides a graceful counterbalance to the elongated neck while lending the piece a refined architectural silhouette.

Provenance & Condition

The underside retains its full complement of factory marks, including the impressed Doulton Lambeth oval stamp with the date 1874, Arthur Barlow’s impressed “ABB” artist’s initials, together with the relevant assistant decorators’ marks, firmly authenticating its early production and studio attribution.

The jug is presented in excellent overall condition, displaying no significant issues to the stoneware body or decoration. The silver-mounted hinged cover is secure, and it is noted that adhesive has been used at some point in the past to reinforce the fitting of the silver lid to the ceramic top rim. This is a minor historic restoration that does not detract from the piece’s outstanding decorative appearance or its importance as an early, fully documented work by one of Doulton Lambeth’s most celebrated artists.

For sale is a very early Doulton Lambeth pitcher by Arthur Barlow with a unique story. This pitcher belonged to one of the players responsible for the very first inaugural FA Cup win in 1872. William Crake (aka William Parry), playing for Wanderers FC in 1872, claimed a 1-0 victory at Kennington Oval over a tough game with the Royal Engineers.

The pitcher itself is a highly desirable piece in the typical early style and colours of Doulton and Barlow. With the main body decorated with bold blue scrolling florals, there are miniature scrolling floral borders above and below. Further tactile anglular pattern borders sit below the lid, between the scroll work and to the base. The handle is decorated with a simple leaf venation pattern. The top is adorned with the original solid silver rim and lid. To top centre is the Crake family crest, and inside the lid is a lovely crisp inscription “To William Parry Crake from E.N.C. February 11th 1873.” with decorative embellishment.

This early piece is in very good condition. Professional stabilising of the handle is evident, and there are a few minor nibbles to the base commensurate with age. Otherwise, the lid is all original and there is no evidence of any other chips or cracks. The base is stamped with the early oval Doulton Lambeth mark and Arthur Barlow’s “ABB” signature is present and correct.