An 18th Century Slipware Cat of Great Charm

Modelled in a local red clay this amusing little cat is decorated in a Whieldon-style cream and orange dappled galze  and sits on a small octagonal base. An unsophisticated Saffordshire country pottery figure of great charm which has survived 250 years relatively unscathed and still retaining its appeal.

If you want any further information or prices on any of the ceramic pieces shown on this blog then please contact me at nickcashin@yahoo.com

CH Brannam (1855 - 1937) "A Quizzical Cat"

Another Great British Cat. This one was made around 1900 at CH Brannam's Devon pottery by James Dewdney. The monocled cat is modelled in the local red clay found near Barnstable and was made for the new discerning  tourists who began to visit the Romantic coast of North Devon in ever increasing numbers.Of great charm and humour it would have been an appealing memento of their visit returning to London or one of the rich, industrial cities of the Midlands or the North of England.

However these cats at over 12" in height and weighing in at nearly 4 lb were a very expensive souvenir. The "country" pottery was sold at Liberty of London, shown at international exhibitions and patronised by Queen Victoria - she was, in fact, "very amused".

For another great, witty example of the C H Brannam Pottery use the blog archive on your left and go to the entry for 15 June 2012.

If you want any further information or prices on any of the ceramic pieces shown on this blog then please contact me at nickcashin@yahoo.com

Ashtead Pottery "Genozo Lion" Designed by Percy Metcalfe

The Ashtead Pottery was founded in 1923 to create jobs for disabled ex-servicemen and closed in 1935. During its brief history many artists taught and designed for the pottery including EH Shepard, Phoebe Stabler and Percy Metcalfe.

The Genozo lion was designed by Percy Metcalfe (1895 - 1970) who is best known for his medal designs including the George Cross. He also designed the "Wembley Lion" for the 1924 Wembley British Empire exhibition and a model was produced by the Ashtead Pottery as a souvenir of this exhibition. Here the basic design has evolved into the much larger Genozo Lion.

All Ashtead Pottery figures are now extremely rare. For more information visit the excellent reference website: www.ashteadpottery.com

If you want any further information or prices on any of the ceramic pieces shown on this blog then please contact me at nickcashin@yahoo.com