Topic: Early Moorcroft

[Elaine]

Here's another interesting little piece from my great-aunt's collection.  It is Moorcroft, but it's rather different from what we now expect Moorcroft to look like.  I think from the mark it's quite early, as it just has 'Moorcroft Burslem' on the base, and the letter M.  There's no signature, but then it's a miniature vase, being only 4 and 1/4 inches high and 1 and 3/4 inches across the base, so there's no room.  It's a very interesting glaze - it was difficult to photograph as it has a strange opalescence - and looks a sort of brownish purple.

 

[Tony H]

Elaine

I have had a look in Godden and a mark like on your piece impressed or printed was used 1913+ at there Washington Works Burslem.

Tony H in NZ

[Pete]

Very interesting, Elaine. Thanks for posting. I had not seen this Moorcroft mark before.

But even more interesting is that glaze. Looking at the base pic it would seem that there are 2 layers. Firstly a burgundy then a coppery wash over it. Right ?

Many later Moorcroft pieces show glazes with this almost-iridescent quality - I think its what people love about them (ok yes as well as the tube lining and the decor and the flowers and the patterns and the general quality...etc) but it was the depth of their glazers which first attracted me to Moorcroft.
Pete

[Elaine]

Thanks, Tony.  I had guessed about 1913 - 1915     

And yes, Pete.  I reckon you're right about the glaze.  From the look of the base I'd say it was a pinky red first, as you say, then a thin layer of opalescent coppery brown over-glaze on top.  G-a certainly seems to have gone in for experimental glazes!  I think she was very interested in Chemistry.  She was a photographer, too.  Sadly, I didn't inherit her photos.  My cousin got them - and her diaries!  I must ask him about them! 

[Adam A]

In Richard Dennis' 1973 exhibition catalogue, it shows the mark from 1913-1921 but states that England was added c 1916-1921, so this suggests it can be dated as to between 1913 and 1916.
I think this is quite rare. According to Dennis, Moorcroft was very interested in flambe glazes but only really developed these after he built his own flambe kiln in 1919.
 

[Carolyn Preston]

I am now the proud processor of a piece of my own Moorcroft (my sister is highly indulgent). We all fondly remember my mother's three vases which mysteriously disappeared when my step-mother arrived on the scene. It's a small piece but will be treasured all the same. Pics to follow shortly.

Carolyn

[Anne]

Look forward to seeing your "new baby" Carolyn!