Judith Miller on Carlton Ware

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The pastel colours of floral Carlton Ware will add a spring feel to your home, says Judith Miller.

In 1890, James Wiltshaw established the Carlton Works in Stoke-on-Trent with two Robinson brothers, entering an area of industry already dominated by other potteries; however, they reacted well to changing fashions, producing largely affordable ranges that proved to be very popular and ensured the business blossomed for nearly a century. After 21 years of amicable collaboration, the two families dissolved their partnership, and Wiltshaw, with his son Cuthbert, took the firm to new heights.

Pieces were produced under the name Carlton Ware from 1894 and this officially became the company’s name in 1958, although most of its output before this is generally known as Carlton Ware. In the 1920s and 1930s, the pottery had great success with its rich Art Deco styled lustre designs, but in the 1930s, the factory also introduced a completely different style of ceramic, which became the mainstay for nearly two decades. This attractive pastel-coloured, moulded range featured flowers, leaves and fruit either as decorative motifs or as the main shape of the piece.

Carlton Ware: Large yellow Apple Blossom jug; Art Deco pink fruit Raspberry biscuit jar

ABOVE (left-right): Large yellow Apple Blossom jug, £200-£300; Art Deco pink fruit Raspberry biscuit jar, £200-£250.

Popular embossed patterns included water lilies, buttercups, apple blossoms, foxgloves, cherries, raspberries and blackberries. These pretty objects were made for everyday use, and they range from mugs, dishes, milk jugs and teapots, to biscuit jars, jam pots and toast racks. Their soft colours and homely designs will add a touch of spring to period cottages and country dressers.

Carlton Ware went bankrupt in 1989, but Francis Joseph continues to sell ceramics today under the original name (carltonwaredirect.com), keeping the brand and these charming examples of functional pottery alive.

Carlton Ware: Salad Ware pink Buttercup dish

ABOVE: Salad Ware pink Buttercup dish, £35-£45.

Tips for collectors

Certain motifs, such as cherries, and shapes, including a geometric Art Deco style, are rare, so keep a keen eye out for these.

Some combinations are also more unusual than others; for example, Buttercup is relatively easy to find in yellow, but scarce in pink, and consequently much more desirable.

As a large number of pieces were produced, condition is very important. Inspect lids, rims and bases carefully, as these are often damaged.

Look for boxed gift sets and even empty boxes as these have value.

There are Carlton Ware fakes on the market, so you should examine pieces closely and ensure the back stamp is appropriate for the item and period of manufacture.