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Head Auctioneer
Ceramics
Sell Ceramics at Auction
RWB Auctions' ceramics department deals with a wide range of porcelain and pottery items from around the world and throughout the ages.
Trends and fashions come and go, so the value and demand for different ceramics ebbs and flows. The names that used to trip off the lips and excite the bidders twenty years ago may be slightly 'off-trend' now, but good-quality rare pieces are still in demand for expert collectors.
The birth of Porcelain in Europe
Porcelain making in Europe started around 1710 in Meissen, where makers discovered that adding kaolin to clay enabled firing at high temperatures to achieve translucent, much finer wares than had hitherto been produced (earthenware, stoneware, and Delft). Such fine porcelain had been imported from China and Japan, but the cost was high, and demand outstripped supply.
Migrant workers spread the secret of kaolin, and production spread to Vienna in 1719 and Venice in 1720. In 1744, a porcelain factory was established at Chelsea, and soon, the making of porcelain in Britain started to flourish with the establishment of factories in Bristol and, perhaps most well-known, Worcester in 1751 by Dr John Wall and William Davies.
First-period or Dr. Wall Worcester wares are still highly collectable, as are 18th-century pieces by Derby, Chelsea, Bow, and Coalport. However, whereas a few years ago such pieces would have cost hundreds or thousands of pounds at auction, they can now be picked up for under £100. RWB Auctions sold a first-period cream jug for £300 in May 2024.
These early pieces were often decorated in 'chinoiserie' style to mimic the imports from the Orient. Soon, European designers developed their own styles in both porcelain and soft-paste porcelain (such as Capodimonte in Naples). We see figurines in Georgian costume - reminiscent of, but much more refined than, the earthenware Staffordshire flat-backs (RWB Auctions sold a pair of 'High and Mighty' fallback greyhounds for £130 + fees in June 2024) - and tablewares hand painted with native flowers. Some see such pieces as a little too fussy for today’s market, but there are still collectors who know that quality outlasts fashion.
The Industrial Revolution led to high volumes of tableware and ornamental pieces in the 19th century, and the development of transfer printing patterns removed the need for teams of skilled artists to decorate them.
Free Ceramics Valuations
Looking to sell your ceramics? RWB Auctions offers free expert valuations for a wide range of antique and modern pottery. Whether you have a single piece or an entire collection, our specialists will provide professional advice on the value of your items.
Once valued, you can consign your ceramics to our auctions, where they’ll be seen by a wide audience of collectors and dealers. With competitive fees and a trusted process, now is the perfect time to turn your ceramics into cash. Contact us today to book your free valuation!
Upcoming Auctions
December
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Arts & Crafts Pottery
The reaction to the Industrial Revolution came in the Arts and Crafts movement in the late 19th century - with the value of hand-crafting being appreciated again. Now, names such as Doulton start to appear - with their Lambeth pottery evolving from making sewer pipes and sanitary wares to producing more decorative pieces. Recruiting a large team of designers from the Lambeth School of Art, Henry Doulton led the way in late 19th-century ceramic design, and there is a growing demand for good pieces by well-known designers such as George Tinworth, Mark V Marshall, Hannah Barlow and Eliza Simmance. A George Tinworth figurine of a mouse playing a tuba recently sold at RWB Auctions for £2,600 plus fees in September 2024.
Art Nouveau
The Arts and Crafts movement evolved into Art Nouveau (or Jugendstil in Germany/Austria), with ceramics ideally placed to express the flowing, natural lines. Moorcroft pottery, recognised by the use of tube-lining designs, took off and is still going strong today. RWB Auctions has sold a range of Moorcroft wares, including an early 20th-century Florian Ware vase (£550 + fees) and a modern 'Up and Away' vase (£460 + fees).
Doulton became Royal Doulton and continued to flourish into the 20th century. Charles Noke took over as design director, and Doulton moved into producing figurines and experimenting with new techniques (such as Siliconware) and glazes (such as flambe ware). In its first sale, RWB Auctions achieved a magnificent price of £3,800 (+ fees) for a Charles Noke-designed figurine of Guy Fawkes, and this success with Doulton wares continues, RWB Auctions having sold pieces by Mark V Marshall (often compared to Martin Brothers), George Tinworth and others at strong prices.
Art Deco Ceramics
Art Nouveau evolved into Art Deco, and our thoughts turn to Clarice Cliff, Susie Cooper, and Aynsley's wares. Good pieces of Clarice Cliff still command high values at RWB Auctions, and the Art Deco style is still inspiring designers such as Lorna Bailey.
The late 20th Century saw ceramic collecting go from strength to strength. Moorcroft continued its success and new names such as Herend and Lladro became popular. RWB Auctions often sells Lladro, but the stand-out piece must surely be the huge 'Dama de la Corte Espanola - La Menina’ for £1,600 + fees in June 2024.
Mid-century Studio Pottery
The future will bring new trends in collecting - maybe it is time for studio pottery to take off - pieces by Dame Lucy Rie lead the way and others such as Alan Caiger-Smith have their devotees. Whilst some of the original names are still selling well, over 200 years later - Royal Crown Derby, Royal Worcester, Royal Doulton, Meissen, Delft.
Ceramics is an art form that is in many ways more demanding than the work produced by painters or sculptors. The best pieces demand both sets of skills as well as the alchemy of the kiln. Our ceramics department is passionate about the art and would be pleased to advise you on any items you may want to sell.
Our Ceramics Experts
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