This image in black on green of the Pilkington works was a defining component of a 16-lot collection of the Manchester pottery assembled by May Badger Craven during the first decades of the 20th century.
She had been involved in the production of this plaque, having worked for Pilkington as a glaze chemist, and this might explain how this rare plaque came into her possession, because collectors believe that it was not made for retail.
Measuring 8in by 6in (20 x 15cm), the plaque sold to an English private buyer at £440.
Other highlights from the collection were lustre vases by the two great Pilkington potters. A twin-handled vase by William Mycock, 91/2in (24cm) high, decorated with panels of flowering red lilies on a black ground, made £1000 and an ovoid vase by Richard Joyce painted with a frieze of lions among foliage, 71/2in (19cm) high, attracted a double-estimate £800.
Pilkington pilgrimage to Edinburgh
Collectors from Lancashire arrived at the Edinburgh sale of Decorative Arts held by Lyon and Turnbull (15/10% buyer’s premium) on November 7, excited by this silhouette, right, of their favourite ceramic factory.
