Abstract Martin Brothers Vase 1907

This vase was undoubtedly influenced by the Martin Brothers' friend and admirer Sydney Greenslade, an architect, who met them in the late 1890s. Although the Martins had already started experimenting with vegetable and gourd shaped pots, Greenslade, who became firm friends with Edwin Martin the youngest of the brothers, was a fervent champion of the new, simpler more abstract aesthetic sweeping through Europe.

The close connection between this particular pot and Sydney Greenslade is even documented in a sketch by Greenslade of shapes for pottery and illustrated on page 121 of Malcolm Haslam's excellent  book "The Martin Brothers Potters". The sketch includes a vase of squat form with handles running from the neck into the body.

If you want more information about this pot please contact me by clicking on the View my complete profile at the top of the page to the right.