Introduction
I’ve been dealing in antiques and collectibles for over twenty years. In that time, I’ve learned that not all art pottery is created equal, and Della Robbia pottery stands out for more than just its beauty. In all that time, I’ve only come across one piece of Birkenhead art pottery by the Della Robbia factory in the wild. That single encounter left a lasting impression, not just because of its craftsmanship but also because of its value. One piece can command a very handsome price, making it a must-have for any serious collector.
Della Robbia pottery is not just another antique; it’s a piece of history from a factory that valued artistry over mass production. Unlike many contemporaries, such as Pilkington’s Royal Lancastrian and Ruskin, which embraced mechanization and commercial scalability, Della Robbia clung firmly to the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement. Rathbone’s vision was centered around traditional craftsmanship, individualized creativity, and the rejection of industrial uniformity. This article dives deep into what makes these pieces special, how they differed from other art potteries of the time, how to identify them, and why they deserve a place on your most-wanted list. From unique production methods to artist-centric policies, Della Robbia pottery embodies a philosophy that prioritized quality and originality over mass appeal.
The Origins of Della Robbia Pottery
Founders and Artistic Vision
Harold Rathbone, the driving force behind Della Robbia pottery, was not only an artist but also a visionary inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. His partner, Conrad Gustave Dressler, was a skilled sculptor and ceramist with a deep understanding of pottery techniques. Together, they sought to create pottery that was more than functional—it was meant to be an artistic statement.
Rathbone’s travels through Italy exposed him to the works of Luca Della Robbia, whose vibrant glazed terracotta panels from the Renaissance left a lasting impression. He wanted to translate that aesthetic into contemporary British ceramics while embracing the principles of William Morris: craftsmanship, authenticity, and the rejection of industrialization.
Their factory was set up not just to produce pottery but to act as an artistic hub where creativity could flourish without the constraints of commercial pressures.
Della Robbia Pottery was founded in 1894 in Birkenhead, Liverpool, by Harold Rathbone and Conrad Gustave Dressler. Rathbone, an artist and sculptor, was heavily influenced by his travels in Italy, particularly the works of Luca Della Robbia, a 15th-century Florentine sculptor known for his vibrant, glazed terracotta creations.
The factory was born out of the Arts and Crafts movement, with Rathbone embracing the ideals of William Morris. This meant a focus on traditional skills, pride in craftsmanship, and the use of locally sourced materials wherever possible. From the very beginning, Della Robbia pottery stood apart from other ceramics of the time.
The Style and Decoration of Della Robbia Pottery
Production Process and Techniques
The production process at Della Robbia was meticulous and labor-intensive. Each piece was hand-thrown or hand-molded before being decorated using the sgraffito technique—scratching through layers of colored slip to reveal contrasting designs beneath. Artists would often sketch freehand onto the pottery, resulting in truly one-of-a-kind pieces.
After the decoration process, items were glazed with a clear lead glaze that enhanced the vibrancy of the colors. The turquoise hue, in particular, required precise control of glaze composition and firing temperatures, often demanding multiple firings to achieve the desired richness.
This dedication to handcrafting meant that production was slow, but it ensured that each piece met the artistic standards Rathbone and Dressler envisioned.
The style of Della Robbia pottery is unmistakable. Inspired by Italian maiolica, pieces often feature bright, bold colors and intricate sgraffito decoration, all finished with a clear lead glaze. The turquoise hue, in particular, became a hallmark of the factory. This specific color was chosen not only for its striking appearance but also because it symbolized the Mediterranean influence that inspired Rathbone’s vision. Achieving the vibrant turquoise required precise control of glaze composition and firing temperatures, a testament to the factory’s commitment to artistry and experimentation.
Harold Rathbone encouraged artists to explore their creativity, giving them almost complete freedom in their designs. This led to an incredible variety of pieces, with no two items ever being truly identical. Everything was hand-painted, with not a single printed design in sight.
The designs often incorporated natural motifs, geometric patterns, and historical themes, reflecting both the Italian Renaissance influence and the Arts and Crafts philosophy. These elements, combined with the unique turquoise glaze, made Della Robbia pottery instantly recognizable.
The Life and Challenges of the Della Robbia Factory
Working Conditions and Artist Freedom
Della Robbia Pottery operated more like an artists’ collective than a traditional factory. Rathbone encouraged artists to experiment with their designs, often giving them free rein to interpret historical motifs, natural elements, and personal inspirations. This freedom fostered creativity but also led to inconsistencies in production, as quality control varied from artist to artist.
The working environment was collaborative, with many local artists and students from nearby art schools employed at the factory. However, the emphasis on artistry over efficiency proved to be the factory’s Achilles’ heel. Unlike mass-production competitors, Della Robbia’s output was limited, and the cost of handcrafting each piece was high.
Despite its artistic success, the Della Robbia factory faced significant challenges. Rathbone and Dressler funded the factory using family money, but the emphasis on hand-crafted art pottery made it difficult to compete with mass-producing manufacturers.
Quality control was inconsistent, with reports of uneven glazing, color variations, and occasional warping during the firing process. These production challenges, combined with the high cost of handcrafting each piece, meant that the factory never managed to turn a profit. The only way to survive would have been to produce utilitarian tableware, but Rathbone had no interest in sacrificing artistry for commerce. Without the infrastructure for mass production, the factory struggled financially.
A few compromises kept the factory afloat for a while, but by 1906—just twelve years after opening—Della Robbia Pottery closed its doors. Rathbone considered it a personal failure, though history has proven otherwise. Today, these once-overlooked pieces are highly prized by collectors.
What Did the Della Robbia Factory Produce?
Della Robbia pottery was known for its highly artistic creations. The factory produced a wide range of items, including:
- Architectural objects: Panels, tiles, and friezes designed for wall and furniture inlays.
- Decorative items: Plates, vases, mugs, bowls, and ornamental plaques.
- Unique commissions: Custom pieces created for specific clients, often with personalized designs.
In the final years, the factory attempted to compete with the likes of Pilkington’s Royal Lancastrian and Ruskin pottery, but the lack of mass production capabilities made this effort short-lived.
Marks and Identifying Della Robbia Pottery
One of the most reliable ways to identify authentic Della Robbia pottery is through its distinctive marks. The factory mark features a ship, flanked by the letters “D” and “R.” In addition to the factory mark, pieces often include:
- Artist’s mark: Each artist had their own unique signature.
- Date: Some items are marked with the year of production.
These marks not only authenticate the piece but also help trace its origin and creator. However, collectors should be cautious, as forgeries and reproductions do exist. Authentic pieces will always have the distinct ship mark flanked by the letters ‘D’ and ‘R,’ along with the artist’s signature and sometimes the date. To avoid fakes, it’s advisable to purchase from reputable dealers, request provenance when possible, and compare the quality and glaze consistency with known originals. If you come across a piece with the ship and “D & R” mark, you’ve likely found a genuine Della Robbia treasure.
The Value and Collectability of Della Robbia Pottery Today
Market Trends and Desirable Pieces
Given the factory’s short twelve-year lifespan and the unique nature of each piece, it’s no surprise that Della Robbia pottery is highly collectible today. In recent years, the market for these items has seen a significant surge, particularly among collectors who appreciate the historical and artistic significance of the factory.
Certain forms and designs command higher prices than others. Large wall plaques, intricate vases, and artist-signed pieces tend to attract the most attention. Collectors are particularly drawn to pieces with vibrant turquoise glazing and detailed sgraffito work, which reflect the factory’s signature style. The rarity of specific artists’ marks can also drive up the value.
As awareness of Della Robbia pottery grows, even more common items, such as small plates and tiles, have seen an increase in value. This trend suggests that the market will likely continue to appreciate, making it an exciting time for both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts.
Given the factory’s short twelve-year lifespan and the unique nature of each piece, it’s no surprise that Della Robbia pottery is highly collectible today. Prices vary depending on condition, rarity, and design:
- Undamaged pieces: Regularly sell for between £500 and £1200.
- Exceptional examples: Can fetch several thousand pounds on private websites.
- Damaged items: Even chipped or cracked pieces can sell for £100 to £200.
The market for Della Robbia pottery remains strong, and prices continue to rise as collectors recognize the historical and artistic significance of these items. In the past few years, there has been a noticeable upward trend in auction prices, with rare and unique forms—such as large plaques, intricate vases, and artist-signed pieces—commanding premium prices. Collectors are particularly drawn to pieces with vibrant turquoise glazing and detailed sgraffito work, which reflect the factory’s signature style. As awareness grows, even more common items have seen an increase in value, making it an exciting time for both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts.
Other Della Robbia-Inspired Pottery
While Birkenhead’s Della Robbia pottery is the most sought-after, other manufacturers also produced items in a similar style:
- Charles Canning (Tamworth): Created objects with a Victorian aesthetic inspired by Della Robbia designs.
- Roseville Pottery (USA): Produced a line called “Della Robbia,” one of their most expensive and collectible patterns.
However, it’s important to distinguish these from the original Birkenhead pieces, which remain the most valuable and historically significant. Authentic Birkenhead pieces are characterized by their hand-painted sgraffito designs, the distinct turquoise glaze, and the factory’s hallmark ship mark flanked by the letters ‘D’ and ‘R.’ Later imitations often lack the same depth of color and intricacy in the design, making close inspection of both the glaze quality and artist marks essential for accurate identification.
Learning More About Della Robbia Pottery
For collectors and enthusiasts, further learning can make the difference between spotting a hidden gem and overlooking a treasure. One of the best resources available is the book The Della Robbia Pottery Birkenhead 1894–1906 by Peter Hyland.
This comprehensive book covers everything from the factory’s history to artist marks and design shapes. With 256 pages of detailed information and color illustrations, it’s an essential addition to any collector’s library. The ISBN is 978-1-85149-734-8, and you can find copies on platforms like eBay, Amazon, or second-hand bookstores.
For a visual overview, I also recommend checking out my book review on YouTube: Video of book review on YouTube
Conclusion
Della Robbia pottery stands as a testament to artistic dedication and craftsmanship. Despite its short production span and the factory’s commercial struggles, the pieces created during those twelve years are now highly valued by collectors worldwide.
The factory’s refusal to compromise on quality and its commitment to unique, hand-crafted artistry may have led to its closure in 1906, but it also ensured that each surviving piece is a true work of art. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of antiques, Della Robbia pottery deserves a place on your radar—and in your collection.
Getting Started with Collecting
If you’re just starting out, focus on finding pieces with clear factory marks, vibrant turquoise glazing, and detailed sgraffito work. Pay close attention to the ship mark flanked by the letters “D” and “R,” as well as artist signatures and production dates. Attending auctions, visiting reputable antique shops, and joining collector groups can also provide valuable insights and opportunities to expand your collection.
With knowledge, patience, and a keen eye, collecting Della Robbia pottery can be both a rewarding hobby and a valuable investment.
In conclusion, Della Robbia pottery stands as a testament to artistic dedication and craftsmanship. Despite its short production span and the factory’s commercial struggles, the pieces created during those twelve years are now highly valued by collectors worldwide.
The factory’s refusal to compromise on quality and its commitment to unique, hand-crafted artistry may have led to its closure in 1906, but it also ensured that each surviving piece is a true work of art. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of antiques, Della Robbia pottery deserves a place on your radar—and in your collection. If you’re just starting out, focus on finding pieces with clear factory marks, vibrant turquoise glazing, and detailed sgraffito work. Attending auctions, visiting reputable antique shops, and joining collector groups can also provide valuable insights and opportunities to expand your collection.
