George Cartlidge portrait tiles showing Maori guides, £1550 at Adam Partridge's auction.
Among tile collectors, though, his name is associated with a range of portrait tiles in sepia monochrome glazes, that through fine modelling rather than transfer printing mirror the photographs they copied.
A large range of subjects were produced in the first decade of the 20th century but today the Maori series are probably the most commercial.
Two of these were offered at Adam Partridge (20% buyer’s premium) in Macclesfield on March 2.
These portraits showed well-known Maori guides Sophia and Bella, both shown wearing a korowai (cloak), pounamu tiki and pendant and huia feather in their hair. Measuring 6 x 9in (15 x 22cm), they are impressed with Sherwin & Cotton factory marks plus the artist’s monogram.
These are most frequently sold in New Zealand where they can bring prices of more than £1000 each. This pair was guided at just £40-60 but sold for £1550 via thesaleroom.com.
