Collecting delftware

Judith Miller looks at desirable delftware made at home and abroad.

ABOVE (left-right): Adam and Eve charger, c1740, £5,000-£7,000; Water bottle, c1750, £550-£750.

The Netherlands began producing tin-glazed earthenware in the late- 15th century, but imitating maiolica (originally from Spain and Italy) from the early 1500s. Potteries opened in many towns and cities, including Amsterdam, Haarlem, Rotterdam, and Delft, which was both the first and the most important centre by the late-17th century thanks to its very fine work.

ABOVE (left-right): Flowerbrick, minor chips, c1740- 1760, £900-£1,2000; Teapot stand, c1720, £1,500-£2,000.

The industry expanded from c1650, after the cessation of imports of Chinese porcelain; as such, decoration was initially based on Chinese blue and white ceramics, filling the gap in the market. Later that century, imports from China resumed, but by then the 30 or so Dutch makers had developed a style of their own, as well as Chinese inspired designs, in a range of colours, typically purple, red, green, and black; and new themes were introduced, including local landscapes and flowers. By the mid-1700s, many potteries in Holland had gone out of business due to a decline in desirability.

ABOVE (left-right): Pill slab with arms and motto of The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, c1775- 1800, £3,000-£4,000; Puzzle jug, c1750- 1770, £1,200-£1,800.

Britain began producing its own tin-glazed ‘delftware’ from the mid-16th century, although early pieces were typically less well made than Dutch examples, and what should have been a white glaze was often tinged with blue or pink. However, by the early 1700s, British output was more refined, with a smoother glaze than Dutch wares, which is why collectors in the UK were buying local pieces rather than imports. Patterns included bold floral designs and British landscapes in blue and white. ‘Blue-dash’ chargers were made in London between c1630-1740; popular motifs include abstract, floral, patriotic, and religious images in blue, green, tawny-yellow and brown.

ABOVE: Colander or cress bowl, c1760, £300-£400.

Tips for collectors

• Dutch Delftware has a gritty texture, thick glaze and often some ‘peppering’ to the surface, due to the air bubbles bursting during the firing process.

• For British delftwares key production areas were London, Liverpool and Bristol.

• Common designs include Biblical scenes and copies of oriental decoration.

• Polychrome designs are less common, and colours are muted due to the absorbency of the tin glaze.

• Inscribed or dated pieces are rare and therefore highly desirable.

• Inspect pieces carefully: minor chipping is common, but is acceptable.

• Buy from auction houses and reputable dealers, many of which showcase their stock on sellingantiques.co.uk.

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WORDS JUDITH MILLER PHOTOGRAPHS FIELDING’S AUCTIONEERS, WOOLLEY & WALLIS, DREWEATTS, SWORDERS, LYON & TURNBULL, SKINNER INC, POOK & POOK
All valuations correct at time of publishing
Featured in the October 2011 issue of Period Living

Buy Judith Miller’s Antiques Handbook & Price Guide 2012-2013