Uk Circa 1876 - 1880 Ceramic Milk Pitcher Red Black Ivy Attributed to Stephen Clive & Co

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A little history lesson first ...

In the early 1800s (exact dates unknown) Well Street Pottery (or The Old Works) … Read more A little history lesson first ...

In the early 1800s (exact dates unknown) Well Street Pottery (or The Old Works) was an earthenware pottery manufacturer in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent in England, carried on by Stephen Clive & William Lloyd. Their productions were the ordinary middle classes of earthenware goods for the home and foreign markets. After Lloyd retired, Clive continues the business under the style of Stephen Clive & Co. from about 1876 to 1880, when the operation was taken over by Cumberlidge & Humphreys.

And now, on to this listing ...

Offered here is a beautiful survivor: an antique stoneware milk pitcher with stunning maroon red and black transferware. It depicts an Ivy motif in the Art Nouveau style. Stands about 7 7/8" tall (measuring up to the tip of the spout). Footprint measures about 3 1/2" in diameter.

I was unfamiliar with the maker's mark, but I could tell this piece was old and likely of English origin. So I reached out to ThePotteries.org, experts in Stoke-on-Trent potteries. They were kind enough to review my images of the maker's mark. They hadn't seen this particular mark either, but have attributed it to Stephen Clive & Co. They have added the images to their database, with a notation that this piece may have originally had a metal lid. I messaged them again and asked why they believed it might have had a metal lid. Here's the response I received: "The only reason that I mentioned the lid is that more often than not these have a metal lid - probably they were also supplied without a lid and also the lids get separated from the jug." I've examined this piece carefully, and I see no holes nor any other indication around the opening or the top of the handle which would indicate a metal lid was ever attached to it. (On a personal note, I'll add that it is VERY SATISFYING to have widened the knowledge of one small historical Stoke-on-Trent pottery)!

Incredible condition for its age! No chips, cracks, or unusual wear. There is a slight separation in the clay at the base of the handle that occurred during the firing process. (See close up photo). This is a manufacturing flaw, not after market damage. Crazing consistent with age, but NO STAINING. Absolutely beautiful.

If you are a collector of early English Stoke-on-Trent pottery pieces, or Stephen Clive pieces in particular, this will make a fine addition to your collection. Will be packed with care and shipped with GOBS of packing material! See less