Victorian Majolica

Victorian majolica properly refers to two types of majolica made in the second half of the 19th century in Europe and America.

Firstly, and best known, there is the mass-produced majolica decorated with coloured lead glazes, made in Britain, Europe and the US; typically hard-wearing, surfaces moulded in relief, vibrant translucent glazes, in occasionally classical but mostly naturalistic styles, often with an element of High Victorian whimsy.

Secondly, there is the much less common tin-glazed majolica made primarily by Mintons from 1848 to circa 1880, typically with flat surfaces, opaque white glaze with fine brush painted decoration in imitation of the Italian Renaissance maiolica process and styles.

Glazes

Glaze is a vitreous coating on a ceramic. Types of glazing include feldspathic or alkali-glazed, salt-glazed, lead-glazed, and tin-glazed.

Lead oxide is a key ingredient of both lead ''and'' tin glazes. Lead oxide is a flux that causes lead ''and'' tin glazes to fuse to the earthenware biscuit body at a low oven temperature, about 800 °C. The other ingredients in lead and tin glazes are typically an equally large quantity of silicates, and a small proportion of alkali (feldspar or similar) ground up with a little water and the large proportion of lead oxide to form a paste.

A coloured glaze results from adding a small amount of particular metal oxides to plain lead glaze, different metal oxides producing different colours. Since mid-19th century coloured glazes earthenware has been known as ''majolica''.

An opaque white tin-glaze results from adding a small amount of tin oxide to plain lead glaze. Decorated with brush-painted enamels, tin-glazed earthenware from mid-15th century onwards has been known as ''maiolica'', also later as ''faience'', ''delftware'', '' talavera'', or rarely ''majolica'', though commonly ''majolica'' in the US.

Coloured glazes

majolica n. 1. is earthenware decorated with coloured lead glazes applied directly to an unglazed body. Victorian majolica is the familiar mass-produced earthenware decorated with coloured lead glazes made during the Victorian era (1837–1900) in Britain, Europe and the US, typically hard-wearing, surfaces frequently moulded in relief, vibrant translucent glazes, in a variety of styles and forms (some examples below). Shown in Britain at the Exhibitions of 1851 and 1862, it became fashionable, widely copied and mass-produced worldwide. Also known as: maiolica, Palissy ware, coloured glazes majolica, coloured-glazed majolica, lead-glazed majolica, and misleadingly 'lead or tin glazed' majolica.

Some coloured glazes majolica was produced in traditional Classical or Revivalist styles, but Darwinism, natural history, their English country gardens, expeditions abroad, and trade in oriental products generated more exciting styles appealing to the upcoming merchant classes. There was a boom in naturalistic pottery, often with an element of whimsy, to which Minton's inexpensive, durable, multi-purpose product was well suited. A strong interest in the world at large generated passing fashions for Egyptian forms, Japanese styles, Chinoiserie and High Victorian style. Conservatories became a fashion statement. Adorning them were spectacular majolica garden seats, flower pots, jardinières, stands, large birds and animals. The irrepressible urge to impress guests with rare food led to the growing of pineapples and egg-plants ( aubergines) formerly only available overseas. These too appeared as decorative objects for admiration around the home. Minton's Palissy ware boomed. Pottery makers throughout Britain, Europe and the US copied the process with great success, albeit variable quality. Palissy ware/Majolica went global.

File:Minton Candelabra, 16.9 ins., coloured glazes majolica, 1864, Revivalist in style.jpg, Candelabra, 16.9 in, coloured glazes majolica, 1864, Revivalist in style
File:Wedgwood corn platter coloured glazes on biscuit majolica19452.jpg, Bread plate or corn platter, temperature compatible coloured glazes on biscuit, naturalistic in style, surfaces molded in relief
File:Minton Tobacco Jar and cover, coloured glazes majolica, 1868, naturalistic in style.jpg, Tobacco Jar and cover, coloured glazes majolica, 1868, naturalistic in style
File:Minton and Co. Goblet, 9.2 ins., coloured glazes, c. 1869, Revivalist in style.jpg, Goblet, 9.2 in, coloured glazes, c. 1869, Revivalist in style
File:Belfield and Co. Jug, c. 1870, naturalistic in style, Scotland.jpg, Jug, coloured glazes majolica, c. 1870, naturalistic in style, Scotland
File:Holdcroft Asparagus server table ware, 13.4ins, circa 1870, naturalistic coloured glazes majolica.jpg, Asparagus server (table ware), 13.4 in, c. 1870, naturalistic coloured glazes majolica
File:George Jones Strawberry jar and cover, coloured glazes, c. 1870, naturalistic style.jpg, Strawberry jar and cover, coloured glazes, c. 1870, naturalistic style
File:George Jones Majolica candle holder, coloured and mottled glazes, c. 1870, Naturalistic style.jpg, Candle holder, coloured and mottled glazes, c. 1870, naturalistic style
File:George Jones Dessert plate, coloured glazes, c. 1870, naturalistic style.jpg, Dessert plate, coloured glazes, c. 1870, naturalistic style
File:Tobacco jar and cover, c 1870, coloured glazes.jpg, Tobacco jar and cover, c. 1870, coloured glazes, Portugal
File:Clock, coloured glazes majolica, c.1870, Revivalist in style.jpg, Clock, coloured glazes majolica, c. 1870, Revivalist in style
File:Maj4.jpg, Vase, plain and colored lead glazes on buff biscuit, mixture of Revivalist styles
File:George Jones Majolica Watch stand for ladies dressing table set, coloured glazes, c. 1874, naturalistic style.jpg, Watch stand for ladies dressing table set, coloured glazes, c. 1874, naturalistic style
File:Basket, coloured glazes majolica, 10,2ins., c.1875, naturalistic in style.jpg, Basket, coloured glazes majolica, 10.2 in, c. 1875, naturalistic in style
File:Minton Spoon Warmer, coloured glazes majolica, 1876, ultra naturalistic in style.jpg, Spoon Warmer, coloured glazes majolica, 1876, ultra naturalistic in style
File:Minton & Co. - Cherub and ribbon jardiniere.JPG, Jardinière (flower pot), coloured lead glazes, Revivalist style(s)
File:Barbizet palissy ware wall plate.jpg, Wall plate, c. 1890, coloured lead glazes Palissy majolica, Barbizet, France, ultra-naturalistic in style
File:Toothpick holder, 5.5 ins., coloured glazes, Palissy style, Portugal.jpg, Toothpick holder, 5.5 in, coloured glazes, Palissy style, Portugal
File:George Jones majolica flower-pot, coloured lead glazes on 'biscuit', then fired.jpg, Flower pot, coloured lead glazes on biscuit, naturalistic in style
File:Rare Holdcroft lead-glaze majolica teapot circa 1875, coloured lead glazes, Japanese style with an element of whimsy.jpg, Teapot, c. 1875, coloured lead glazes on biscuit, Japanese style with an element of whimsy
File:Sarreguemines Majolica Majolique 'Mardis Gras' Wall Pockets.jpg, Wall Pockets, coloured glazes majolica, c. 1900, Sarreguemines, France

Tin-glaze

majolica n. 2. is earthenware, coated with opaque white tin-glaze and ornamented with metallic oxide colours. Tin-glazed Victorian majolica is the rare tin-glazed earthenware made primarily by Mintons
from 1848 to circa 1880, typically with flat surfaces, and opaque whitish glaze with brush painted decoration in the style(s) of Italian Renaissance maiolica tin-glazed pottery. Also known as: maiolica; and 'lead or tin' glazed majolica.

Minton's tin-glazed majolica in imitation of Italian maiolica, praised at Exhibitions and purchased by Royalty and museums, made little commercial impact. Other pottery makers shunned the process.

Interest in Renaissance styles was waning, fashion moving on with the usual protestations from older generations: "...the current of fashion, however contrary to right, wisdom, and good taste..."

Cost of production was high. Compared to the lead-glaze process whereby thick, temperature-compatible coloured lead glazes were applied direct to the biscuit, simultaneously, then fired, (paint, fire), the tin-glaze process required extra stages for dipping/coating and drying the tin-glaze before decoration could even begin, (dip, dry, paint, fire). Added to this, the expense of brushwork decoration, especially the fine painting of pictures and designs, was very time-consuming, requiring highly skilled, higher paid artists.

File:Minton tin-glazed 'majolica' plate, in imitation of tin-glazed Italian maiolcia.jpg, Minton tin-glazed Majolica plate, imitating tin-glazed Italian Renaissance maiolica process and style.
File:Minton tin-glaze Majolica Renaissance style, reverse with date cypher and painted mark 01.jpg, Minton tin-glazed Majolica bowl, 10.4ins, design an exact copy of Renaissance 9.4ins original in V&A, flat surfaces, white glaze, brush painted.
File:Minton tin-glaze Majolica oval plate decorated by Thomas Kirkby in Renaissance style after Mantegna original.jpg, Minton tin-glazed Majolica oval plate, painting by Kirkby, after Triumphs of Caesar (Mantegna). Almost identical example in V&A.
File:Minton tin-glaze Majolica Renaissance style, reverse with date cypher and painted mark 02.jpg, Minton tin-glazed Majolica tondino, istoriato style depicting 'Jesus among the Scribes', signed E Lessore.
File:Minton tin-glaze Majolica Renaissance style, reverse with date cypher and painted mark 03.jpg, Minton tin-glazed Majolica vase, 'grotesque' Renaissance style, 'MINTON' to the neck, mostly flat surfaces, opaque white glaze, brush painted.
File:Tin-glazed Minton majolica artist Rochfort, coated, brush-painted.jpg, Minton tin-glazed majolica, impressed date cypher 1864, brush-painted with enamels.
File:Tin-glazed Minton majolica, date cypher 1864, coated not dipped. Brush-painted Rochford signature.jpg, Tin-glazed Minton majolica, base. Note coated not dipped, date cypher 1864, signature brush-painted in manganese oxide.

Meanings of majolica

The term ''majolica'' has been dogged by confusion starting with the English anglicisation of the word ''maiolica'' into ''majolica'' following the appearance of the letter ''j'' in the English alphabet mid-17th century.

Leon Arnoux, the artistic and technical director of Mintons, wrote in 1852 "We understand by majolica a pottery formed of a calcareous clay gently fired, and covered with an opaque enamel composed of sand, lead, and tin..."
He was describing the Minton & Co. tin-glazed product made in imitation of Italian maiolica both in process and in styles. Remember, tin-glaze is simply plain lead glaze with a little tin oxide added. His description is often referenced, in error, as a definition of Minton's other new product, the much copied and later mass-produced ceramic sensation of the Victorian era, Minton's coloured lead glazes ' Palissy ware'. The 16th-century French pottery of Bernard Palissy was well known and much admired. Mintons adopted the name 'Palissy ware' for their new coloured glazes product, but this soon became known also as ''majolica''. Minton & Co. appear to have done little to promote the clear distinction between their tin-glazed and coloured glazes products.

Minton archive first design for majolica

Thomas Kirkby's design G144 in the Minton Archive is inscribed "This is the First Design for Majolica ...". The design is Italian Renaissance in style. Close-up images illustrate a design suited for fine brushwork on flat surfaces. The design is for Minton's rare tin-glaze Majolica imitation of Italian tin-glaze maiolica. Minton's designs for Palissy ware, also known as ''majolica'', were suited for 'thick' painting of coloured lead glazes onto surfaces moulded in relief to make best use of the intaglio effect.

English makers

Minton, the originator

Great Exhibition (1851)

Victorian majolica was originated by Minton & Co., first exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851.

File:1851 Exhib Catalogue Cover.png, 1851 Great Exhibition London, Catalogue Cover
File:1851 Exhibition Catalogue, Minton Entries 60 to 74.jpg, 1851 Exhibition Catalogue, Minton Exhibit Numbers 60 to 74. ''Majolica'' refers to Renaissance Italian maiolica.
File:1851 Exhibition, Minton entry No 74 Lithograph.jpg, Lithograph illustrating flower pots, and stands (underplates) and garden seats, see Exhibit Number 60.
File:Minton coloured lead glazes majolica flower vase, shape first seen 1851 Exhibition.jpg, Minton Palissy ware/majolica flower vase, coloured glazes, shape first shown at the 1851 Exhibition, Exhibit Number 60
File:MintonStandAndFlowerVase.jpg, Minton tin-glazed Majolica flower pot and stand (pedestal) in Italian Renaissance maiolica Grotesque style, see Exhibit Number 74

The 1851 Exhibition Catalogue lists the two Victorian majolica products by Minton in consecutive sections.

Earthenware '' ..' Flowerpots, etc.
Exhibit Number 60. "A variety of '' ..' flowerpots and stands, and garden seats." refers to the coloured glazes product that Mintons called Palissy ware.

Tiles, Terra Cotta, and Vases, etc, in imitation of Majolica Ware.
Exhibit Number 74. "Variety of flowerpots and stands, coloured in the majolica style, etc." refers to the tin-glazed product painted with enamels that Mintons called Majolica.

Exposition Universelle (1855)

The ''Illustrated London News'' reported with approval on Minton's two new products shown at the Exposition Universelle in Paris:

The collection of Palissy and Majolica ware, however, is that which appears to have created the greatest sensation among Parisian connoisseurs. The reader will remember that the main difference in these wares is that whereas the Palissy ware is coloured by a transparent glaze, Majolica ware contains the colour (opaque) in the material. The care and taste with which these manufactures have been brought by the Messrs. Minton to their present state of perfection, have been amply rewarded. Within a few days of the opening of the Exhibition all the specimens exhibited had been sold.

Despite this reminder Minton's Palissy Ware became known as 'majolica ware'; 'Palissy ware' dropped out of use and 'majolica' stuck. In the 1870s, the curators of the South Kensington Museum (now the V&A) tried to clear up the confusion by reviving the Italian spelling 'maiolica' with an 'i' instead of a 'j' for Italian tin-glaze.

Great Exhibition (1862)

At the second Great Exhibition of the Art-Works of All Nations a range of Minton's products were exhibited and illustrated in the Exhibition Catalogue. Amongst them were the two Minton majolicas a) tin-glazed Minton Majolica and b) coloured glazes Minton Palissy ware soon known also as 'majolica'.

File:1862_Exhibition_Minton_exhibits.jpg, 1862 Exhibition Minton exhibits, top left "The Italian vase is Majolica, decorated from a design by Mr. ALFRED STEVENS.", bottom middle "The EWER is a Palissy Vase."
File:Minton_exhibit_1862_tin-glazed_Italian_Vase.jpg, Minton Majolica vase, 1862 Exhibition, process and style in imitation of Italian Renaissance maiolica. Victoria and Albert Museum, London
File:Minton_exhibit_1862_colored_glazes_Pallisy_ware.jpg, Minton Palissy ware ewer, 1862 Exhibition, process coloured glazes majolica, style Renaissance with a touch of naturalistic

File:A Minton Preserve server, 1860, coloured glazes, naturalistic style.jpg, Inkstand, 1860, coloured glazes, naturalistic style
File:A Minton Ice stand table centre, 1860, coloured glazes, Revivalist style.jpg, Ice stand table centre, 1860, coloured glazes, Revivalist style
File:Minton Candelabra, 1860, coloured, mottled, and plain glazes, Revivalist style.jpg, Minton Candelabra, 1860, coloured, mottled, and plain glazes, Revivalist style
File:Minton Chestnut server, 1865, 11 ins., coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.jpg, Chestnut server, 1865, 11 in, coloured glazes, naturalistic in style
File:A Minton Nautilus shell centrepiece, 1865, coloured glazes, Revivalist style.jpg, Nautilus shell centrepiece, 1865, coloured glazes, Revivalist style
File:Minton Garden Seat, 18.1 ins., coloured glazes, Chinoiserie in style, 1866.jpg, Garden Seat, 18.1 in, coloured glazes, Chinoiserie in style, 1866
File:Minton 'Quaker man' toby jug, 1867.jpg, 'Quaker man' toby jug, 1867
File:Minton Gun dog Game Pie Dish, 17.3 ins., coloured and mottled glazes, naturalistic in style.jpg, Gun dog Game Pie Dish, 17.3 in, coloured and mottled glazes, naturalistic in style
File:Minton Nut dish, 1869, naturalistic style.jpg, Nut dish, 1869, naturalistic style
File:Minton Vases, 1869, rare combination of fine-painted tin-glaze and coloured glazes handles, rim and interior.jpg, Vases, 1869, rare combination of fine-painted tin-glaze and coloured glazes handles, rim and interior
File:Minton Garden Seat, 1870, 20 ins., coloured glazes, Revivalist motifs.jpg, Garden Seat, 1870, 20 in, coloured glazes, Revivalist motifs
File:Minton Vintager figural, 1870.jpg, Vintager figural, 1870
File:Minton Hollins and Co, tiles, c. 1870, coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.jpg, Tiles, c. 1870, coloured glazes, naturalistic in style
File:Minton Candle Holder, 1870, coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.jpg, Candle Holder, 1870, coloured glazes, naturalistic in style
File:A Minton Tureen, 1870, coloured glazes, naturalistic style.jpg, Tureen, 1870, coloured glazes, naturalistic style
File:A Minton Oyster server, 1870, coloured glazes, Naturalistic style.jpg, Oyster server, 1870, coloured glazes, Naturalistic style
File:A Minton Teapot, coconut, mushroom lid, 1872, coloured glazes, naturalistic style with hint of whimsy.jpg, Teapot, coconut, mushroom lid, 1872, coloured glazes, naturalistic style with hint of whimsy
File:Minton Cat and mouse jug, 1875, naturalistic style.jpg, Cat and mouse jug, 1875, naturalistic style
File:Minton Eggplant-Aubergine vase, 1875, naturalistic style.jpg, Eggplant-Aubergine vase, 1875, naturalistic style
File:Mintons Pomegranite Vase, 1878, 22 ins., coloured glazes, boldly decorative, naturalistic and humourous in style.jpg, Pomegranate Vase, 1878, 22 in, coloured glazes, boldly decorative, naturalistic and humorous in style
File:A Minton Garden seat, 1880, coloured glazes, in imitation of Tang dynasty sancai.jpg, Garden seat, 1880, coloured glazes, in imitation of Tang dynasty sancai

Wedgwood

Wedgwood began to manufacture majolica about ten years after Mintons. Wedgwood's glazes and modelling were denser and more formal than Minton's, but there were many pieces that displayed the naturalism and humour of Minton shapes. Wedgwood's majolica included cachepots, jugs, candlesticks, cheese bells, umbrella stands, sardine boxes, plates in naturalistic patterns, bread trays, etc. In Wedgwood's "greenware" the green glaze emphasizes the low relief patterning, typically of basketwork and foliage. Numerous smaller factories in the Staffordshire Potteries specialised in such green majolica wares in which the translucent glaze brought out the low relief of the cast body: some, like Wedgwood, marked their majolica with impressed stamps.

Majolica was influenced by the design of the old "Cauliflower" and "Pineapple" teapots that had been made by Thomas Whieldon, Wedgwood and other 18th-century Staffordshire potters. Both English and American majolica potters reproduced the "Cauliflower" pattern and other raised fruit, vegetable, leaf, and berry patterns, with green, yellow, pink, brown, light blue and purple-blue glazes. There is also a teapot of yellow corn and green leaves, similar to the old Whieldon "Pineapple" teapots, and a teapot, jug and sugar bowl of pink coral and green seaweed with accents of brown and blue, marked "Etruscan Majolica". Many late 19th-century majolica designs had rustic motifs with backgrounds of basketry and wooden-bound buckets decorated with moulded flowers, birds, fish and animals. Handles were made to resemble tree branches, rose stems and twined flowers and leaves.

Plates, jugs, teapots and other articles were moulded with the shapes of wild roses, lily pads and herons, begonia leaves, shells, coral, seaweed, corn and bamboo stalks, cabbage leaves, strawberries, ferns and sprays of flowers, borders of basketry and oriental motifs.

File:Wedgwood Angels dessert plate c. 1867.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica ''Angels'' dessert plate, c. 1867, Revivalist in style
File:Wedgwood Centrepiece 16.3ins c. 1889.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica centrepiece, 16.3 in, c. 1889, Revivalist and naturalistic in style
File:Wedgwood Cheese Keep c. 1876.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica primroses cheese keep, c. 1876, naturalistic in style
File:Wedgwood Dessert plate intaglio c. 1871.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica, intaglio pictorial centre 'Email Ombrant', c. 1871, Classical style
File:Wedgwood Dessert plate mottled c. 1865.jpg, Mottled coloured glazes Victorian majolica, c. 1865, border in Greek key style
File:Wedgwood Hippocamp centrepiece c. 1869.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica hippocamp centrepiece, c. 1869, Classical mythology in style
File:Wedgwood Vintager figural c. 1875.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica figural vintager, c. 1875, naturalistic in style

George Jones

The Trent Pottery, George Jones and Sons, made majolica cupids, shells, dolphins, birds, figurines and coral designs in numerous shapes including highbrow centrepieces alongside snuff boxes, spittoons, dog bowls, vases, serving dishes, tea sets, jugs, cheese keeps, desk sets, garden seats and pie dishes. Their mark was a monogram of the initials "G.J." joined together. A beehive bread dish with a cover has a design of wild roses against a background of basketwork and has the Trent Pottery mark. Flowerpots were made in bright colours and with raised designs of natural flowers.

File:George Jones c. 1869 squirrel nut dish, naturalistic style.jpg, Squirrel nut dish, 1869, naturalistic style
File:George Jones, 'Neptune', coloured glazes, 1870, Revivalist influence.jpg, 'Neptune', coloured glazes, 1870, Revivalist influence
File:Spitoon, coloured glazes majolica, c.1880.jpg, Spitoon, coloured glazes majolica, c. 1880
File:Snuff box, coloured glazes majolica with pewter lid, c.1870, naturalistic goat figure.jpg, Snuff box, coloured glazes majolica with pewter lid, c. 1870, naturalistic goat figure
File:George Jones c. 1870 amphora vase, Egyptian style.jpg, Amphora vase, c. 1870, Egyptian style
File:George Jones majolica flower-pot, coloured lead glazes on 'biscuit', then fired.jpg, Flower pot, coloured lead glazes on biscuit, raised design of natural flowers
File:George Jones c. 1870 bird jug, naturalistic style.jpg, Bird jug, c. 1870, naturalistic style.
File:George Jones c. 1870 cheese keep, naturalistic style.jpg, Cheese keep and stand, c. 1870, naturalistic style
File:George Jones c. 1871 desk set for inks, sand, and quills, naturalistic style.jpg, Ladies' desk set for inks, sand and quills, c. 1871, naturalistic style
File:George Jones c. 1873 lily dish with kingfisher, naturalistic style.jpg, Lily dish with kingfisher, c. 1873, naturalistic style
File:George Jones Trinket dish, coloured glazes, c. 1874, spectacularly Naturalistic in style.jpg, Trinket dish, coloured glazes, c. 1874, spectacularly Naturalistic in style
File:George Jonees tea set, c.1873, naturalistic style in apple blossom pattern.jpg, Tea set, c. 1873, naturalistic apple blossom pattern
File:George Jones c. 1875 garden seat, naturalistic style.jpg, Garden seat, c. 1875, naturalistic style
File:George Jones c. 1875 merman and dolphin dish, Revivalist style.jpg, Merman and dolphin dish, c. 1875, Revivalist style
File:George Jones, Sardine dish, coloured glazes, c. 1875, spectacularly naturalistic.jpg, Sardine dish, coloured glazes, c. 1875, spectacularly naturalistic
File:George Jones, Pie dish, coloured glazes, c. 1877, spectacularly Naturalistic in style.jpg, Pie dish, coloured glazes, c. 1877, spectacularly naturalistic in style
File:George Jones c. 1880 frog and insect vase.jpg, Frog and insect vase, c. 1880, naturalistic in style

Joseph Holdcroft

* Joseph Holdcroft of Longton.

File:Holdcroft Oriental Boy on Coconut Teapot c 1870.jpg, Coloured glazes Oriental Boy on Coconut Teapot and cover, c. 1870
File:Holdcroft Floral Teapot c 1880.jpg, Coloured glazes Floral Teapot and cover, c. 1880
File:Holdcroft majolica cheese keep 01.jpg, Coloured glazes cheese keep, naturalistic style.
File:Holdcroft majolica garden seat, naturalistic style.jpg, Coloured glazes garden seat, naturalistic style.
File:Holdcroft majolica fish and lilies jardiniere, naturalistic style.jpg, Coloured glazes fish and lilies jardiniere, naturalistic style
File:Holdcroft Jug, 9.6 ins., circa 1870, naturalistic coloured glazes majolica.jpg, Holdcroft jug, 9.6 in, c. 1870, naturalistic coloured glazes majolica
File:Holdcroft Asparagus server table ware, 13.4ins, circa 1870, naturalistic coloured glazes majolica.jpg, Holdcroft Asparagus server table ware, 13.4 in, c. 1870, naturalistic coloured glazes majolica
File:Holdcroft Dessert plate, coloured glazes, circa 1870, naturalistic style.jpg, Holdcroft Dessert plate, coloured glazes, c 1870, naturalistic style
File:Holdcroft Wall Pocket, c.1870. Coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.jpg, Wall Pocket coloured glazes, c. 1870, naturalistic in style
File:Holdcroft Cheese Dome and Stand, c.1880. Coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.jpg, Cheese Dome and Stand, coloured glazes, naturalistic in style, c. 1880
File:Holdcroft majolica box and cover.jpg, Coloured glazes box and cover, Aesthetic style, c. 1880
File:Holdcroft majolica swan vase.jpg, Coloured glazes swan vase, c. 1875, naturalistic in style
File:Holdcroft majolica swan base.jpg, Coloured glazes swan base, impressed pattern number
File:Holdcroft majolica toothpick holder.jpg, Coloured glazes frog toothpick holder, c. 1870

Brownfield

File:Brownfield coloured glazes majolica vase c 1870.jpg, Coloured glazes vase, c. 1875
File:Brownfield Chestnut finial coloured glazes majolica dish and cover c 1880 01.jpg, Chestnut finial coloured glazes dish and cover, c. 1880
File:Brownfield Cats Vase, coloured glazes, c.1875.jpg, Cats Vase, coloured glazes, c. 1875
File:Brownfield Cheese keep and underplate, coloured glazes, c.1870.jpg, Cheese keep and underplate, coloured glazes, c. 1870
File:Brownfield Coloured glazes majolica Cockatoo, c.1870.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica Cockatoo, c. 1870
File:Brownfield coloured glazes majolica Sauceboat, c.1870, Revivalist references.jpg, Brownfield coloured glazes majolica Sauceboat, c. 1870, Revivalist references
File:Brownfield Peasant Figures, 13.2 ins., coloured glazes majolica, c.1880.jpg, Brownfield Peasant Figures, 13.2 in, coloured glazes majolica, c. 1880

Brown Westhead Moore

* Brown-Westhead, Moore & Co

File:Maj5.jpg, Garden Seat, coloured lead glazes
File:Brown Westhead Moore Butterfly box and cover, coloured glazes, c.1860.jpg, Butterfly box and cover, coloured glazes, c. 1860
File:Brown Westhead Moore Rabbit box and cover, coloured glazes, c.1870,.jpg, Rabbit box and cover, coloured glazes, c. 1870
File:Brown Westhead Moore Vase, coloured glazes, c.1875.jpg, Vase, coloured glazes, c. 1875
File:Brown Westhead Moore coloured glazes hexagonal teapot and cover c 1870.jpg, Brown Westhead Moore coloured glazes hexagonal teapot and cover, c. 1870

Copeland

* Copeland & Garrett, successors to Josiah Spode

File:Majolica0718566.jpg, Copeland coloured glazes majolica, 'Sloth and Mischief'
File:Copeland Cauliflower teapot, coloured glazes, naturalistic in style, c. 1870.jpg, Cauliflower teapot, coloured glazes, naturalistic in style, c. 1870
File:Copeland Centrepiece, 16.5 ins., coloured glazes, Revivalist in style, c. 1870.jpg, Centrepiece, 16.5 in, coloured glazes, Revivalist in style, c. 1870
File:Copeland Jug-Pitcher, 7.8 ins., coloured glazes, Revivalist in style, c. 1877.jpg, Jug-Pitcher, 7.8 in, coloured glazes, Revivalist in style, c. 1877
File:Copeland Sardine box, 9.3 ins., coloured and mottled glazes, quirky 'High Victorian' in style, c. 1870.jpg, Sardine box, 9.3 in, coloured and mottled glazes, quirky 'High Victorian' in style, c. 1870
File:Copeland Spoon warmer, 9.3 ins., coloured and mottled glazes, quirky naturalistic in style, c. 1870.jpg, Spoon warmer, 9.3 in, coloured and mottled glazes, quirky naturalistic in style, c. 1870

Thomas Forester

* Thomas Forester & Sons

File:Forester Garden seat, 20.9 ins., coloured glazes, c. 1880, storks and bamboo pattern.jpg, Garden seat, 20.9 in, coloured glazes, c. 1880, storks and bamboo pattern
File:Forester Tea set,, coloured glazes, c. 1880, hazelnut pattern.jpg, Tea set, coloured glazes, c. 1880, hazelnut pattern

Samuel Lear

* Samuel Lear

File:Lear Dessert plate, coloured glazes majolica, c.1880, sunflowers pattern.jpg, Lear Dessert plate, coloured glazes majolica, c. 1880, sunflowers pattern
File:Lear Jug, coloured glazes majolica, c.1880, lily of the valley pattern.jpg, Lear Jug, coloured glazes majolica, c. 1880, lily of the valley pattern
File:Samuel Lear Oyster plate, 9.6 ins., coloured glazes, c. 1881, sunflower pattern.jpg, Oyster plate, 9.6 in, coloured glazes, c. 1881, sunflower pattern

* Poole and Unwin

Fielding

* S. Fielding and Co., The Railway Pottery, Stoke on Trent
* Daniel Sutherland and Sons
* James Woodward

Adams and Bromley

* J.W. John Adams and Co., Hanley

File:Adams and Bromley Ewers, coloured glazes, c. 1880, Renaissance in style.jpg, Ewers, coloured glazes, c. 1880, Renaissance in style

* Edge, Malkin & Co, Burslem

Royal Worcester

File:Royal Worcester coloured glazes majolica organ grinder figure 9.3ins c 1870.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica organ grinder figure, 9.3 in, c. 1870
File:Royal Worcester Salt, coloured glazes, moulded in relief, circa 1880, naturalistic shell.jpg, Salt, coloured glazes, moulded in relief, c. 1880, naturalistic shell
File:Royal Worcester Candlesticks, coloured glazes, moulded in relief, circa 1880, naturalistic in style with historical references.jpg, Candlesticks, coloured glazes, moulded in relief, c. 1880, naturalistic in style with historical references

Doulton Lambeth

File:Doulton Lambeth Conservatory table, 18.5 ins., coloured glazes majolica, c. 1870, Indian subcontinent in style, a reminder of Empire.jpg, Doulton Lambeth Conservatory table, 18.5 in, coloured glazes majolica, c. 1870, Indian subcontinent in style, a reminder of Empire

Victoria Pottery Company

* Victoria Pottery

File:VPC Victoria Pottery Company Sardine Box and cover, 7.9 ins., coloured glazes majolica, c. 1880.jpg, VPC Victoria Pottery Company Sardine Box and cover, 7.9 in, coloured glazes majolica, c. 1880
File:VPC Victoria Pottery Company Oyster plate, 10 ins., coloured glazes majolica, c. 1880.jpg, VPC Victoria Pottery Company Oyster plate, 10 in, coloured glazes majolica, c. 1880
File:Victoria Pottery Company Pie dish and cover, coloured glazes, c.1880.jpg, Victoria Pottery Company Pie dish and cover, coloured glazes, c. 1880

John Roth

* J. Roth

File:J.R.L. John Roth of London Pot and cover, coloured glazes majolica, c.1880, begonia leaf design.jpg, J.R.L. John Roth of London Pot and cover, coloured glazes majolica, c. 1880, begonia leaf design

European and American makers

Majolica from other countries is included in this article for two reasons:
# The term '' Victorian'' is occasionally used also to describe majolica made in other countries.
# European and American makers employed English immigrant technicians and copied Minton's Victorian coloured glazes majolica process and styles.

France

APT

File:APT ware, Wall plate, c.1900, France. Coloured and mottled glazes in Palissy style.jpg, Wall plate, c. 1900, coloured and mottled glazes in Palissy style

Barbizet

File:Barbizet palissy ware wall plate.jpg, Palissy wall plate, coloured lead glazes on biscuit, c. 1870

Brard

File:Brard, c.1880, France. Platter, tin-glazed. Fish, coloured glazes.jpg, Palissy majolica c. 1880. Platter is opaque white tin-glazed with cobalt oxide brush-painted decoration, and the applied fish are of coloured glazes majolica.

Delphin Massier

File:Delphin Massier 'Birds and Well', 13.6 ins., coloured glazes, c.1880.jpg, 'Birds and Well', 13.6 in, coloured glazes majolique, c. 1880
File:Delphin Massier Posy Vase, 14.6 ins., coloured glazes, c.1900.jpg, Posy Vase, 14.6 in, coloured glazes, c. 1900
File:Delphin Massier French coloured glazes majolica basket c 1900.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica basket, c. 1900

Perret-Gentil

Maj2.jpg, Perret Gentil Menton coloured lead glazes majolica plate
File:Wall Plate, 9.6 ins., coloured glazes, Palissy style, Menton, France.jpg, Wall Plate, 9.6 in, coloured glazes, Palissy style, Menton, France

Sarreguemines

La majolique

:''"A la fin des années 1870 apparaît un produit qui renforce la notoriété de Sarreguemines en Europe:la majolique. Il s'agit d'une faïence fine recouverte de glaçures colorées. Les couleurs privilégiées: le gros bleu, le bleu turquoise, le vert dit bronze. Les bibelots, « objets de fantaisie » ainsi que certaines pièces monumentales bénéficient largement de cette nouvelle technique."''

File:Sarreguemines majolica majolique partridges plaque.jpg, Coloured glazes Sarreguemines majolica partridges plaque
File:Sarreguemines Eagles bowl 16ins.jpg, Sarreguemines Majolica Eagles bowl, 16 in
File:Sarreguemines Majolica asparagus plate.jpg, Asparagus plate, c. 1880
File:Sarreguemines Majolique Majolica makers mark.jpg, Sarreguemines Majolica makers mark
File:Sarreguemines Majolica Majolique Strawberry plate.jpg, Sarreguemines Majolica Majolique Strawberry plate, c. 1880
File:Sarreguemines Majolica Majolique 'Mardis Gras' Wall Pockets.jpg, Sarreguemines Majolica Majolique 'Mardis Gras' Wall Pockets, c. 1890

Thomas Sergent

File:Thomas Sergent Platter, c 1875, coloured glazes, ultra-naturalistic Palissy style.jpg, Thomas Sergent Platter, c. 1875, coloured glazes, ultra-naturalistic Palissy style
File:Thomas Sergent Oyster plates, c 1880, coloured glazes, Palissy style.jpg, Oyster plates, c. 1880, coloured glazes, Palissy style

Choisy le Roi

File:Choisy le Roi, Cockerel (Rooster), 14.6 ins., coloured glazes, c. 1880, France.jpg, Cockerel (Rooster), 14.6 in, coloured glazes, c. 1880

Boch Freres

File:Boch Freres Kermis Plate, coloured glazes, c. 1880, grapes and vine leaves pattern.jpg, Boch Freres Kermis Plate, coloured glazes, c. 1880, grapes and vine leaves pattern

Longchamp


File:Large Longchamp majolica lobster platter 18.9 inches c 1880.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica lobster platter 18.9 in, c. 1880.
File:Longchamp majolica lobsters wall platter c 1880.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica lobsters dish wall plaque, c. 1880

Luneville


File:Large 22.4ins Luneville majolica marine platter c 1880.jpg, 22.4 in coloured glazes majolica marine platter, c. 1880.

Orchies

Nimy

Onnaing

Salins

Vallauris

Portugal

Augusta Baptista de Carvalho

File:Augusta Baptista de Carvalho Candlesticks, 9.4ins, coloured glazes, Palissy style, Portugal.jpg, Candlesticks, 9.4 in, coloured glazes, Palissy style

Avelena Soares

File:Avelena Soares Wall plate, 10.4 ins., coloured glazes, ultra-naturalistic Palissy style, Portugal.jpg, Wall plate, 10.4 in, coloured glazes, ultra-naturalistic Palissy style

Bordalo Pinheiro

File:Bordalo Pinheiro Wall pocket, coloured glazes, c. 1888, shellfish and seaweed Palissy majolica.jpg, Wall pocket, coloured glazes, c. 1888, shellfish and seaweed Palissy majolica

Cunha

File:Cuhna Wall plate, 11ins, coloured glazes, Palissy style, Portugal.jpg, Wall plate, 11 in, coloured glazes, Palissy style

José Francisco de Sousa

File:Jose Francisco de Sousa Wall plate, 10.4ins, coloured glazes, Palissy style, Portugal.jpg, Wall plate, 10.4 in, coloured glazes, Palissy style
File:Jose Francisco de Sousa Portuguese Palissy wall pocket c 1890.jpg, Coloured glazes palissy majolica wall pocket, c. 1890

Manuel Cipriano Gomes Mafra

File:Mafra Portuguese majolica toads and pond life wall plate c 1890.jpg, Coloured glazes palissy majolica toads and pond life wall plate, c. 1890
File:Mafra Portuguese majolica beetle wall decoration c 1890 3.1 inches.jpg, Coloured glazes palissy majolica beetle wall ornament, 3.1 in, c. 1890
File:Mafra Ewer, cover, and stand, 13.6 ins., c.1870, ultra naturalistic Palissy majolica, Portugal.jpg, Ewer, cover, and stand, 13.6 in, c. 1870, ultra-naturalistic Palissy majolica
File:Mafra Horse Ewer, 14.6 ins, coloured glazes, Palissy style, Portugal.jpg, Horse Ewer, 14.6 in, coloured glazes, Palissy style
File:Mafra Wall plate, 15.2 ins, coloured glazes, Palissy style, Portugal.jpg, Wall plate, 15.2 in, coloured glazes, Palissy style

Germany

Krause (Germany, now in Poland) Reichard Krause, quality German maker late 19th century, coloured majolica glazes, styles classical and naturalistic, usually with clear K/M shield makers marks.

File:Set of three Krause majolica jardinière and vases c 1890.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica jardinière and vases, c. 1890

Eichwald

File:Eichwald Trinket box, 9.4ins., coloured glazes, c.1890.jpg, Trinket box, 9.4 in, coloured glazes majolica, c. 1890

Bloch, Villeroy & Boch (Luxemburg)

W S Schiller

File:Schiller Spill Vase, coloured glazes, c.1890, Germany.jpg, Spill Vase, coloured glazes, c. 1890

Austria

Hugo Lonitz

File:Majolica0419244.jpg, Lonitz, 1880, naturalistic, molded in relief, coloured glazes.
File:Lonitz Swan figure, coloured glazes majolica, c.1870.jpg, Lonitz Swan figure, coloured glazes majolica, c. 1870
File:Lonitz Cache pots and stands, coloured glazes, c.1880.jpg, Cache pots and stands, coloured glazes, c. 1880

Sweden

Gustafsberg

File:Gustafsberg Jardiniere Stand, coloured glazes, c. 1878, naturalistic with mythological theme, Sweden.jpg, Gustafsberg Jardiniere Stand, coloured glazes, c. 1878, naturalistic with mythological theme, Sweden
File:Gustafsberg Dessert service platter, coloured glazes, c. 1880, naturalistic theme, Sweden.jpg, Gustafsberg Dessert service platter, coloured glazes, c. 1880, naturalistic theme, Sweden
File:Lead glaze majolica Gustafsberg vase circa 1880.jpg, Coloured lead glazes majolica Gustafsberg vase, c. 1880
File:Gustafsberg Bird Vases, 1887, Sweden. Coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.jpg, Bird Vases, 1887, Sweden. Coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.
File:Gustafsberg Nautilus shell Vase, 1899, Sweden. Coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.jpg, Nautilus shell Vase, 1899, Sweden. Coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.

Rörstrand

File:Rorstrand Vases, c. 1880, Sweden. Coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.jpg, Vases, c. 1880. Coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.

America

Several American firms also made majolica, with the English born Edwin Bennett producing it in Baltimore as early as the 1850s.Schneider 1999, p. 19 The best known are Griffin, Smith and Hill of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, whose Etruscan majolica made from 1880 to 1890 includes compotes with dolphin supports and flower, shell, or jewel cups, a design of coral weed and seashells, and tableware with leaves and ferns. Their mark was an impressed monogram, "G.S.H.", sometimes circled and with the words "Etruscan Majolica".

Majolica was also made by Odell and Booth at Tarrytown, New York, and by the Faience Manufacturing Company at Greenpoint, Long Island, whose mark is an incised "F.M. Co." Their pottery was dipped in coloured glazes, creating a streaked or marbled effect. Majolica was made at Evansville, Indiana. Work from the Chesapeake Pottery in Baltimore was called Clifton Ware and was marked "Clifton Decor 'R with the monogram "D.F.H.".

The Arsenal Pottery of Trenton, New Jersey, was making majolica as late as 1900 and exhibited Toby jugs in imitation of English Toby jugs at the World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago (1893).

File:111Eureka Pottery Majolica, Trenton, New Jersey.jpg, Eureka Pottery coloured glazes majolica, Trenton, New Jersey

See also

*Majolica
*Maiolica
*Tin-glazed pottery

Notes

References

* Arnoux, Leon, ''British Manufacturing Industries'', Gutenberg, 1877
The Project Gutenberg eBook of British Manufacturing Industries. Pottery, Glass, Furniture, Edited by G. Phillips Bevan
* Karmason, Marylin J., and Stacke, Joan B., ''Majolica: A Complete History and Illustrated Survey'', 1989, Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
* Atterbury, Paul, and Batkin, Margaret, ''Dictionary of Minton'', Antique Collectors' Club, 1990.
* Katz Marks, Mariann, "The Collector's Encyclopedia of Majolica", Collector Books
* Schneider, M. ''Majolica''. Pennsylvania: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. 1999.

External links

{{wiktionary, Majolica
"In Depth: Minton Majolica"
Mintons archive, with large range of designs online

Old and Sold

The Majolica Society

The Minton Archive

Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, UK

English pottery
American pottery
French pottery
Austrian pottery
Types of pottery decoration
Pottery