Style: Figural
Technique: Émaux ombrants
Maker: Unknown
Dimensions: 6" x 12" each tile
Date: circa 1895
An outstanding and rare pair of tiles, I
can't recall seeing them before and I can't
identify the manufacturer. The figures are so
lively that others appear stiff in comparison,
the creator of the images and the modeller's
skill, likely the same person, is incredible.
The only real comparison is with George
Cartlidge's work for Sherwin & Cotton's
although a pair by Godwin & Hewitt also come
close, those by Woolliscroft and Craven Dunnill
miss by some way and Pilkington's and Mintons
are left in the dust.
They are true émaux ombrants, the tile
face virtually flat the detail impressed rather
than embossed which requires a glaze both highly
translucent and intensely coloured. The glaze is
intensely crazed and the biscuit is warped a
little more than Sherwin & Cotton's so
whilst a little less proficient than the market
leader the splendor of the art makes this pair
amongst the best of the genre.
Versos unmarked, one has written in pencil
the price and customer name and address, Mrs
Robinson, 5 Tudor Terrace. Above that is, "Dark
1/6 each," which would appear to be the price
for the original frames dark indicating the
stain colour, 1/6 each would certainly be
insufficient to buy the tiles. These tiles were
framed from new, they weren't purchased in
frames but it is clear that originally they were
framed as was often the case with such
tiles.
Condition: Near perfect
Price: £450 (approx. $590)
Stock number: 06486/7
