Portrait plaque of Edwin Martin
This portrait plaque is an example of Martinware, created by the four Martin brothers - Victorian pioneers in the production of studio pottery. Working during the 19th century Gothic revival and the Arts and Craft Movement, they are renowned for their eccentric, fantastical gothic designs.
The brothers established their shop in Fulham, London, in 1873. In 1877 the business moved to Havelock Road on the canal in Southall, Middlesex. Working as a family unit, the brothers handled each step of production themselves. Robert was the designer; Walter the potter and chemist; Edwin the engraver and decorator; and Charles the commercial manager. Each design was hand-crafted and during their 50 year enterprise, from 1873-1923, no two identical pieces were made.
Among the eclectic collection of pottery creations, ranging from clocks to grotesque creatures, were a series of terracotta portrait plaques, sculpted in relief. This example was created by Robert Wallace and shows his brother Edwin within an arcade, incising a design onto a vase. The plaque is unglazed and made from earthenware.
The brothers established their shop in Fulham, London, in 1873. In 1877 the business moved to Havelock Road on the canal in Southall, Middlesex. Working as a family unit, the brothers handled each step of production themselves. Robert was the designer; Walter the potter and chemist; Edwin the engraver and decorator; and Charles the commercial manager. Each design was hand-crafted and during their 50 year enterprise, from 1873-1923, no two identical pieces were made.
Among the eclectic collection of pottery creations, ranging from clocks to grotesque creatures, were a series of terracotta portrait plaques, sculpted in relief. This example was created by Robert Wallace and shows his brother Edwin within an arcade, incising a design onto a vase. The plaque is unglazed and made from earthenware.
Object Summary
- Accession Loan No.
- 141/1970/41
- Collection Class
- Studio ceramics
- Material
- earthenware (unglazed) | | | |
- Common Name
- portrait plaque of Edwin Martin
- Simple Name
- plaque
- Period Classification
- Victorian (1837-1901)
- Production Town
- SouthallSouthall
- Production County
- London; London
- Production Country
- United Kingdom: England; England
- Production Date
- 1888
- Production Person Initials
- Robert Wallace
- Production Person Surname
- Martin BrothersMartin
- Production Year Low
- Production Year High
