Judith Miller on Moorcroft ceramics

Judith Miller explores the richly colourful and ornately decorated Moorcroft ceramics.

William Moorcroft (1872-1945) began working as a designer at James Macintyre & Co in 1897, being promoted to manager of ornamental ware a year later. His first designs were the Florian and Aurelian ranges, which are typified by their complex Moorish-inspired symmetrical patterns of natural themes, including leaves and flowers; highly stylised, they are representative of the Art Nouveau style prevalent at the time.

Moorcroft’s hand-thrown shapes were decorated with a tube lining process, where liquid clay was piped on to the surface, outlining the desired pattern. The ‘cells’ within the design were then filled with glaze. William left James Macintyre & Co in 1912 in order to found his own company with backing from London store Liberty; the retailer’s support continued until the early 1960s.

Colours are typically rich and deep, and patterns continued to be inspired by the natural world, although the Art Nouveau stylisation was abandoned and new ranges were introduced. After William’s death, his son Walter took over and continued many of his father’s designs as well as introducing some of his own.

ABOVE (LEFT - RIGHT): Anemone’ design by Moorcroft, 1980, £180-£220; 'Dianthus’ vase signed by Moorcroft, £700-£800; 'Honesty’ vase by William Moorcroft, £1,200-£1,500; 'Quiet Waters’ by Philip Gibson, 2002, £450-£550.

Despite their size, Moorcroft miniatures are also collectable and there is nothing small about the prices. They were most probably produced from the late 1910s to the 1920s as samples for salesmen to show their retail clientele; some may also have been sold as novelties. Patterns were extremely well applied and painted, and forms precise.

The idea was revived in the 1970s but the back stamps do differ, so consult a reference book to ensure that you are buying a period miniature. A further series was offered more recently, and included patterns by Emma Bossons, who still designs for the company today, and Sally Tuffin, who set up her own studio in the 1990s.

ABOVE (LEFT - RIGHT): 'Violet’ by Tuffin, 1987, £500-£600; Miniature by William Moorcroft, c1911, £2,000-£2,500; Charger by Sally Tuffin, 1988, £280-£320.

Tips for collectors

• The most desirable and valuable ranges tend to date from the 1900s to 1920s, and include Florian, Claremont and any of the landscape patterns. Many of William’s patterns were so popular they were produced throughout the 20th century.

• More modern ranges by recent designers, including Sally Tuffin and Rachel Bishop, are also growing in value, particularly if they are from a limited edition or feature an unusual colour variation.

• The pattern, shape, size and type of marks on the base can help you date a piece.

• Patterns produced for long periods tend to be the most affordable, particularly if the object is small.

• Early miniatures, however, can command thousands of pounds; later examples, meanwhile, cost from £70 to £200 depending on the date, pattern, and location and type of seller, and are often sold in box sets.

• Always examine the body for signs of damage.

• For more information on the company or to buy ceramics, visit moorcroft.com.

FEATURE JUDITH MILLER PHOTOGRAPHS FIELDING’S AUCTIONEERS; BELHORN AUCTION SERVICES; WOOLLEY & WALLIS; MILLERSONLINE.COM
Featured in the March 2010 issue of Period Living

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