Largest Collection in Private Hands of Della Robbia Pottery to be offered at auction

The largest ever collections in private hands, of the highly coveted and exceptionally rare Della Robbia pottery heads to auction this month, offering collectors a rare opportunity to attain works from one of Britain’s most renowned, yet short-lived ceramics factories. Founded in Birkenhead, Merseyside in 1894 by Harold Rathbone (1856-1940) and Conrad Gustave d’Huc Dressler (1856-1940), it was in operation for only twelve years (1894-1906), but was pioneering during this short time. The pottery has long been admired for its bold experimentation, vibrant glazes and exceptional quality of craftsmanship, which epitomised the spirit of the Arts and Crafts movement.

Despite its brief existence, the factory left a lasting mark on British decorative arts, combining medieval Italian influences with the ideals of William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelites. The factory’s short production time makes these pieces exceptionally rare and high sought-after.

Auctioneers Woolley and Wallis are perfectly placed to offer this outstanding collection, having set a world auction record for a piece of Della Robbia Pottery in December 2024. The Apple Gatherers, a Della Robbia plaque by Cassandra Annie Walker, sold for £14,000 (plus BP).

Michael Jeffery, 20th Century Design Specialist at Woolley and Wallis said: “This collection is a stunning testament to the factory’s innovative vision and artisanal excellence. Each piece embodies a commitment to beauty and individuality and was a celebration of handcrafted techniques, during a time of growing industrialisation.”

The collection has been carefully curated over many years by a passionate collector, based locally to the factory in Merseyside and comprises a range of exquisite and finely preserved pieces, such as an unusual vase featuring a salamander lizard expertly modelled climbing up its side, which was made and signed by Della Robbia’s founder Harold Rathbone. “This is the first example I’ve seen of this particular lizard model appearing at auction,” said specialist Michael Jeffery. “The presence of Harold Rathbone’s monogram adds an extra layer of significance, as signed pieces by Rathbone are exceptionally rare and highly sought after.” The vase in green, yellow and red on a terracotta ground, carries an estimate of £500-£1,000 (lot 167).

Also in the sale is an Art Nouveau single-handled vase by Cassandia Annie Walker (1875-1936), the esteemed British ceramic artist, designer and sculptor, who worked extensively with the Della Robbia Pottery. The cylindrical body is painted with a heart motif in blue, yellow and rust red, on a white background and dates from 1903. It carries an estimate of £250-£350 (lot 159).

A striking Art Nouveau charger in the sale, is by Ruth Bare (1880-1962), a potter who worked at the Della Robbia Pottery from 1898 to 1906. She was known for her intricate designs, particularly those featuring botanical motifs, which the charger epitomises. Painted with stylised flowers and featuring foliate panels in blue, turquoise and green on a chestnut ground, it dates from 1900 and carries an estimate of £800-£1,200 (lot 183).

An Art Nouveau single-handled vase by Cassandia Annie Walker (1875-1936)

Estimate £250-£350 (lot 159) 

Michael Jeffery adds: “Ruth Bare also created the magnificent Pilgrim’s Flask in the sale, in 1900, arguably the finest piece in the collection, which combines both the traditional shape, with classical mask handles modelled to the sides. This is combined with a brilliant Art Nouveau design incised and painted to the body of sinuous foliate stems rising up the vase. The earthenware vase is a synthesis of greens and ochres, so typical of the factory’s palette.” It carries an estimate of £2,000-£3,000 (lot 184).

A Della Robbia Pottery Cantagalli vase by Hannah Jones, an expert decorator at the Della Robbia factory during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, features her trademark detailed and vibrant motifs. The ovoid form with applied handles, is incised and painted with Art Nouveau flower and foliate panels, in green, yellow, pink and ochre. It carries an estimate of £600-£1,000 (lot 169).

With their unique blend of aesthetic influences and historical significance, Della Robbia pieces are increasingly sought after by collectors worldwide and due to their rarity, Woolley and Wallis expect broad interest.