Kinghams Auctioneers

FANTASY AND THE GROTESQUE

THE POTTERY OF ROBERT WALLACE MARTIN AND THE MARTIN BROTHERS

27TH MARCH - 1ST APRIL 2023

George Kingham Director John Keightley Associate Director, Senior Specialist

Oliver Consultant Decorative Arts Specialist

White Auctioneer, Valuer and Photographer

2023 marks not only the 150th anniversary since the establishment of the Martin Brothers pottery in Fulham, but also 100 years since the death of one of its most innovative and imaginative potters, Robert Wallace. This exhibition brings together, for the first time since 1978, the largest and most diverse collection of Martinware from private collections throughout the globe. Since there is already a wealth of literature on the subject of the pottery and the individual brothers, the aim of this exhibition is not to regurgitate previous research and information readily available, but to bring together and showcase some of their greatest and best loved pieces; some well documented, others rarely seen and many of which have never exhibited together before. From the early illustrative work of Robert Wallace and his brothers Edwin and Walter, through to the sculptural and grotesque animalistic and fantastical birds and beasts, culminating in the beautifully modelled gourds, we hope this exhibition and catalogue provides a broad and interesting overview of the pottery; a true celebration of the work of these unique brothers over a century ago.

My journey with the Martin Brothers

Growing up in Kingston upon Thames, I first came across the work of the Martin Brothers in my late teens during visits to The Kingston Heritage Museum. The spark was ignited! At the age of nineteen, after a number of ventures into the world of wheeling and dealing (most things, in fact, that turned a profit!), I decided to focus on the world of antiques; my father already working in a similar field. One day, on a visit to an antiques fair, I saw a group of Martin Brothers' birds on an exhibitor's stand. Seeing my interest, the dealer tried to persuade me to buy one of his fantastic birds. However, the bird was £2,500 and I needed a new car which was costing the princely sum of £700. Despite being offered to pay by monthly instalments, on this occasion my head ruled my heart and I decided not to proceed with the purchase - for how could I embark on this exciting new career of antique dealing without a set of wheels to get around? The bird would have to wait. My first purchase of Martinware came about a year later when I bought a vase and cover from a dealer at the antiques market on the Portobello Road - where I too had a stand. I sold it for a modest profit in Sotheby’s. Sotheby’s and Christie’s became regular haunts where I could view and handle any piece by the Martin Brothers that came up for sale. I couldn't usually afford to buy, but I could observe, touch and learn.

Over time, I developed a good knowledge and love of other Decorative Arts pottery including the work of William de Morgan, Pilkingtons Pottery, Della Robbia, Moorcroft, Wedgwood Fairyland, Ruskin and Doulton. I initially supplied other dealers before cutting out the middle man and started exhibiting on my own at fairs such as Olympia in London, the NEC in Birmingham and other large shows. I was becoming an established dealer in Decorative Arts pottery myself.

Some years later, I heard about a legendary collection that was being put up for sale in the USA. In an effort to find out who the collector was, I decided to exhibit at the New York Ceramics Show, hoping that the mystery collector might visit my stand and we could establish a connection. Unfortunately for me, he didn't visit the fair, but he did see one of my birds that had been featured on some promotional material published by the Fair organisers. The connection was eventually established. I flew back to view his collection of over 40 birds and other pieces, a lot of which had been purchased from Hull Grundy. We developed a great working relationship and I managed to broker the sale of his magnificent toad (illustrated on the back cover of Martin Brothers Potters) to another American client, who still holds it as one of the most important pieces in his collection. Having dealt in the pottery of the Martin Brothers for such a long time, I have been so fortunate to have seen and handled so many incredible pieces, travelled across the globe and met their custodians. Many of these owners I am now delighted to call friends - after all, we do share the same passion - well one of them at least!

It was always my dream to produce a book of the work of the Martin brothers; I can't expand on the knowledge already imparted by my good friend and mentor Richard Dennis and other academics and historians but now, as an auctioneer and having the premises to put together an exhibition (and most importantly knowing where many of these wonderful pieces in private hands are), I can document many previously unrecorded works by the brothers which will hopefully become an important and useful reference tool for years to come. I owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the collectors for their generosity in loaning their treasured pieces and thus enabling me to curate this collection of work by four talented siblings who were the ceramics trailblazers of their day.

George Kingham

1 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a large characterful stoneware sculptural bird jar, 1888, modelled as a grotesque avian figure, the rotating head tilted with a manic expression and wide deep set eyes, partially open broad beak, the wings with green and blue bands, on a brown glazed body, incised marks R W Martin + Bros, London + Southall, 3-1888, and to the head, 36cm high

2 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware sculptural monk jar, 1900, grotesquely modelled as a seated figure with elongated fingers and nails grasping his chest, mouth open, olive green glazed, on wooden base, incised marks, R W Martin & Bros, London & Southall, 10-1900, 17cm high

3 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware pictorial jug, 1878, pedestal moonflask form, sgraffito decorated with a view of the Southall pottery works, the reverse with portrait of a potter throwing at the wheel, within foliate borders, incised marks to the foot and underside, R W Martin Southall, 36cm high Note: the probable pair to this jug, made for Lord Jersey, is illustrated in Haslam, M. 1978, Martin Brothers, p.54, Fig.V

4 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, The Thrower, a stoneware sculptural figure, 1880, modelled as a potter at his wheel, incised marks R W Martin Southall 1880, 17.5cm high

5 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, Wheel Boy, Bench Boy, Thrower, a relief moulded stoneware diorama panel, 1883, of the Southall Art Pottery, Southall, Middlesex, after the engraving in Cassells Magazine of Art 1882, modelled in high relief with the figures of the workers including Edwin Bruce Martin at the Wheel, incised twelve pane window, incised marks Sculptor R Wallace Martin Southall 1883, the reverse also signed, 42cm wide

Note: the number of panes represented in the fictitious window is said to indicate the edition number, in this case 12

6 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a terracotta relief modelled portrait plaque, 1883, circular, carved with the face of Robert Wallace, incised marks R W Martin 1883 XL, and to the reverse in his own hand R W Martin SC 1883, 19cm diameter

7 Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware button plaque, Rosa, circa 1895, circular form, carved with the name between sgraffito floral sprays, within a tooled geometric border, incised marks W F Martin, London + Southall, 4cm diameter

Provenance: Richard Dennis Martin Brothers Pottery Exhibition 1978, number 710; illustrated in Haslam, M. 1978, Martin Brothers, p.155 fig.250

8 Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware brooch, Mizpah, circa 1895, oval form, encrusted with flowers around the central word in relief, 5cm long

Note: given to Rose Thornicroft as a token of love from Walter

9 Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware broad rimmed plate, 1874, carved and modelled in relief with entwined foliate fronds, applied rosettes and central flower, incised marks W F Martin, London No.3, 31cm diameter

Note: a similar example from the same series is illustrated in Haslam, M. 1978, Martin Brothers, p.36, fig.31

10 Martin Brot hers, a miniature stoneware scent flask, circa 1884, twin handled moonflask form, sgraffito decorated with flowers to each side within trefoil cartouche, with stopper, incised marks Martin 1884, 5.5cm long

12 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a relief moulded stoneware architectural capital, 1876, modelled in high relief with stiff leaf design, on a sgraffito decorated foliate ground, incised marks R W Martin London 1876, 35cm wide

11 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware sculptural wall bracket, 1878, modelled in high relief with a semi nude woman with flowing hair emerging from a foliate lappet, supporting a scroll encrusted platform, incised marks R W Martin Southall 1878, 20cm high

Provenance: Christie’s, 21st February 2006, lot 1511

14 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a large stoneware wall panel, 1879, sgraffito decorated with a vase of cornflowers flanked by entwined serpents and surmounted by an owl with wings spread, in blue salt glaze, incised marks 1879 R W Martin Southall, 83cm x 34.5cm

13. Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware tile, 1877, square panel, sgraffito decorated with birds in branches in a hillside landscape, incised marks R W Martin London 1877, 15cm square

Note:

prior

15 Martin Brothers, a stoneware sculptural candlestick, 1876, knopped baluster form, modelled with entwined rabbits and dog in brown and cream glaze, between tooled and moulded geometric bands, incised marks 64 R W Martin, London, 5-1876, 22.5cm high

possibly modelled by Mark V Marshall

to his departure to Doulton Lambeth

16 Rober t Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware jug, 1874, bulbous form, the handle modelled as two dogs, the body sgraffito decorated with seaweed below a tooled neck, incised marks A15 R W Martin London 12-1874, 15.5cm high

17 Martin Brothers, a stoneware relief modelled spill vase, 1874, cylindrical form, decorated in the round with fruiting grape vine, below a pierced border, on a geometric honeycomb ground, incised marks A3 R W Martin 11-1874, 23cm high

18 Jean Charles Cazin (attributed) for Martin Brothers, an Aesthetic Movement stoneware relief modelled vase, 1874, shouldered form, decorated in the Japonesque style with crane, hares and birds of prey in a prunus orchard landscape, between geometric tooled borders, incised marks D42 R W Martin London, 32cm high

19 Jean Charles Cazin (attributed) for Martin Brothers, a stoneware vase, circa 1873, footed baluster form, tooled geometric fan designs, relief moulded with knotted rope band, incised marks B10, R W Martin, Fulham, 414, 19cm high

20 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware figural clockcase, 1879, the circular dial case supported on a barrel vaulted arch enclosing a nest of birds, on a fret pierced and tooled panel slab base, encrusted in high relief with ivy and surmounted by a mother bird peering over, with worm in its mouth, incised marks R W Martin 5.1879 Southall, 28cm high

21 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware sculptural clockcase, 1875, the pitched roof with sgraffito wave panels, resting on crouching dragon beasts, supported on a rounded plinth with floral and foliate panels, four further dragon heads to the corners, surmounted by a snarling dragon to the pediment, impressed mark Fecit R W Martin, incised No25, 5.1875, 32cm high

Note:

22 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a relief moulded wall pocket, shield form with Gothic font well, modelled with a bat with half spread wings, incised marks RW Martin Southall Midd, 13cm high

23 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware sculptural pine cone pomander or flower frog, 1876, stamped with cruciform bell flower motifs and applied jewels, pierced holes to the top, incised marks R W Martin, London 1876, 11.5cm high

24 Walter Edward Willy for Martin Brothers, a stoneware watch stand, 1876, the pierced lectern stand with circular recessed frame, carved with fronds and monogram, on a trough base inscribed God is Love, incised marks R W Martin London, Ewilly London July 1876, 12cm high

made by Willy for his late wife; one of the only known pieces which Edward was allowed to sign as his own

25 Edwin Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware wildflower vase, 1890, shouldered and footed form, sgraffito decorated with foxgloves, incised marks 1.2.1890, R W Martin Bros, London + Southall, 27cm high

26 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a relief moulded sgraffito decorated stoneware gourd vase, 1907, double ogee form, modelled with poppy heads and foliage, incised marks 2-1907, Martin Bros, London + Southall, 25.5cm high

Provenance: Rhys Morgan Collection of Martinware, Worthing Museum and Art Gallery Exhibition: 8th February-5th April 2003

27 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware Wildflower Meadow jardiniere, 1891, ovoid form with everted rim, sgraffito decorated with insects and dragonflies in flight over flowers and grasses, painted marks St Andrews Hall Norwich, 10-1891 Martin Bros London + Southall, 16.5cm high

Notes: the vase was probably made and decorated by the brothers on a demonstratory visit to Norwich in 1891 during which time an exhibition of Industrial Art and Design was held at St Andrews Hall, by Sir Samuel Hoare.

Provenance: Sotheby’s 16th May 1986, lot 4

28 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware vase, 1885, shouldered ovoid form, sgraffito decorated with spiders on palm leaves and webs, black and ochre, incised marks 2-85, Martin Bros London + Southall, 24cm high

29 Edwin Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware wildflower vase, 1883, shouldered form, sgraffito decorated with dragonflies and butterfly in flight over bluebells and other plants, salt glazed, incised marks 4.9.83 R W Martin Bros London + Southall, 24cm high

30 Walter and Edwin Martin for Martin

an

bird vase, shouldered form, sgraffito decorated with naturalistic birds in a watery landscape of bullrushes, incised marks 1-1898, Martin Bros London + Southall, 15cm high

Note: one of the few surviving pieces from the ill fated experimental firings of 1896 to 1898, during which time most of the pots cracked or misfired, while using the new Palissy kiln

Brothers,

earthenware

31 Edwin Martin for Martin Brothers, a painted earthenware vase, circa 1880s, shouldered footed form, decorated with birds in flight over grasses, incised marks Martin Bros London, 12cm high

32 Edwin Martin for Martin Brothers, a twin handled stoneware vase, 1883, shouldered form, sgraffito decorated in the round with an extensive wetland scene of characterful and semi realistic birds amongst reeds, incised marks 4.3.83, RW Martin + Bros, London + Southall, 19cm high

Provenance: Richard Dennis Martin Brothers Pottery Exhibition 1978; illustrated in Haslam, M. 1978, Martin Brothers, p.97 fig.142; Harriman Judd; Sotheby’s 6th October 2001, lot 71

33 Rober t Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, an Aquatic or Wetlands vase, 1893, conical bulbous form, sgraffito decorated to the neck with birds in flight over marshland, the lower body with an underwater scene of characterful fish and seaweed, incised marks 978 9.1893, Martin Bros, London + Southall, 23cm high

34 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a large pair of Aquatic stoneware vases, 1897, footed and shouldered form, each decorated in the round with characterful and grotesque fish and sea creatures on a water ground, incised marks 6-1897, R W Martin Bros London + + Southall, 41.5cm high (2)

Provenance: Roy Aitken Collection; Sotheby’s 18th April 1978, lot 131; Harriman Judd; Sotheby’s 6th October 2001, lot 129

35 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, an Aquatic stoneware vase and cover, 1896, shouldered ovoid form, sgraffito decorated in the round with sea creatures including grotesque and characterful fish, lobster and eels in a watery ground, the lid with a modelled with a central limpet, incised marks 10-1896 Martin Bros London + Southall, original paper label R W Martin & Bros Art Potters, 16 Brownlow St, High Holborn, London, 20cm high

Provenance: Richard Dennis Martin Brothers Pottery Exhibition 1978, number 302; Gorgeously Grotesque, Exhibition Worthing Museum and Art Gallery, 2003, number 95; Fantasies in Clay, Martin Brothers Art Pottery, Blackwell, 2008; illustrated in Haslam, M. 1978, Martin Brothers, p.125 fig.193

36 Martin Brothers, a stoneware Aquatic flask, 1900, twin handled circular form, sgraffito decorated to each side with characterful and grotesque fish and sea creatures in an underwater scene, incised marks Martin Bros, London + Southall, 4-1900, 18cm wide

Provenance:

37 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, an Aquatic stoneware vase, 1898, shouldered form, sgraffito decorated in the round with sea creatures including grotesque and characterful fish, crustaceans and seaweed in a watery ground, incised marks 10-1898 Martin Bros London + Southall, 31.5cm high

Richard Dennis Martin Brothers Pottery Exhibition 1978, number 324; illustrated in Haslam, M. 1978, Martin Brothers, p.123 fig.XXII

38 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, an Aquatic stoneware jug or flask, 1896, square section, sgraffito decorated in the round with characterful fish a sea creatures in an underwater scene, incised marks 10-1896 Martin Bros London + Southall, 23.5cm high (Walter Willy)

39 The Martin Brothers, a pair of Aquatic stoneware vases, 1899, rectangular section inverse baluster form with lobed shoulders, sgraffito decorated with characterful and grotesque fish and sea creatures with seaweed in a watery ground, incised marks 11-1899 Martin Bros London + Southall, 30.5cm high (2)

Provenance:

15cm high

Provenance: Sydney Greenslade; Richard Dennis Martin Brothers Exhibition 1978, number 464; illustrated in Haslam, M. 1978, Martin Brothers, p.122

40 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a relief moulded Aquatic stoneware vase, 1907, square section shouldered gourd form, decorated with grotesque and characterful fish and sea horses, incised marks 9-1907, Martin Bros, London + Southall, 26.5cm high

41 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a relief moulded stoneware Aquatic gourd vase, 1909, inverse baluster form decorated with anthropomorphic crab like creatures, on a textured turquoise ground, incised marks 8-1909, Martin Bros London + Southall, 18.5cm high

Elizabeth Martin (wife of Robert Wallace); Sotheby’s 29th May 2003, lot 364

42 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a Terrapins relief moulded stoneware jar and cover, 1903, Japanese Koro form, modelled with an aquatic scene of turtles in a textured green ground, incised marks 8-1903, Martin Bros London + Southall,

43 The Martin Brothers, an Aquatic stoneware vase, circa 1890, ovoid gourd form, four stingray type creatures biting the top rim, between grotesque and characterful fish in an underwater scene, 25cm high

44 The Martin Brothers, a relief moulded stoneware Aquatic vase, 1890, square section ovoid shouldered form, each side with characterful and grotesque fish and sea creatures in a watery ground, incised marks 8-1890 Martin Brothers London + Southall, 19cm high

Provenance: Richard Dennis Martin Brothers Pottery Exhibition 1978, number 228; John Scott collection, 1978; illustrated in Haslam, M. 1978, Martin Brothers, p.97 fig.142

45 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brot hers, a four handled stoneware Aquatic vase, 1892, shouldered bulbous form, relief moulded and carved with grotesque and characterful fish, molluscs and seaweed, blue ground, with milled rim, incised marks 11.1892, Martin Brothers London + Southall, 30.5cm high

47 Robert Wallace and Edwin Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware characterful bird jardiniere, 1892, shouldered form, sgraffito decorated in the round with various birds interacting in a jungle landscape, incised marks 10-1892, Martin Bros London + Southall, 28cm diameter

46 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a large stoneware jardiniere, 1893, shouldered form, sgraffito decorated in the round with characterful long legged birds in interactive and conversational poses, amongst foliage, incised marks 12-1893, Martin Bros London + Southall, 26cm high

48 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a relief moulded stoneware three handled tyg, 1911, tapered cylindrical form, decorated in the round with characterful birds in conversation, including barristers and courting lovers, glazed in blues and greens, incised marks R W Martin + Bros, London + Southall 9.1911, black printed 308, 16.5cm high

Provenance: Rose, P. 1979, The Grotesque Ceramic Sculpture of Robert Wallace Martin (1843-1923)The Journal of the Decorative Arts Society 1850 - the Present, vol.3, p.48, pl.5; Coleman, B., 2004,The Best of British Arts & Crafts, Atglen, PA, p. 12, 23

Note: a similar example is illustrated in Haslam, M. 1978,

Note:

similar

is

49 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a relief moulded stoneware bird vase, square section shouldered form, each side carved with a characterful bird within foliate arcade, one with its talons on a snake, incised marks R W Martin + Bros, London + Southall, 8-1903, 27.5cm high

a

example

illustrated in Haslam, M. 1978, Martin Brothers

50 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a relief moulded stoneware bird vase, square section shouldered form, each side carved with a characterful bird within foliate arcade, incised marks R W Martin + Bros, London + Southall, 8-1903, 27.5cm high

Martin Brothers

51 Edwin Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware reptilian vase, 1890s, shouldered form, sgraffito decorated with spiders web, insects and amphibious creatures, incised marks Martin Bros, London + Southall, 26cm high

52 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brot hers, a stoneware reptilian jug, 1898, organic square section with top handle and spout, sgraffito decorated to each face with a scaly creature, indistinctly signed, 20.5cm high Richard Dennis, London, Martin Brothers Pottery Exhibition, 1978, no. 355; Haslam, M. 1978, Martin Brothers, p.126, fig.XXIII, illustrated; Coleman, B. 2004, The Best of British Arts & Crafts, Atglen, PA, p. 12

53 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware ewer or jug, 1892, square section with top handle, sgraffito decorated with writhing dragons entwined amongst foliate scrolls, blue and green glaze, incised marks, 10-1892, Martin Bros London + Southall, 23cm high

54 The Martin Brothers, a stoneware Dragon vase, 1896, shouldered ovoid form, sgraffito decorated in the round with fighting dragons and serpent, salt glazed ground, incised marks 10-1896 Martin Bros, London + Southall, 20cm high (Walter Wylie)

55 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware Dragon vase, 1894, shouldered form, sgraffito decorated with entwined fighting beasts and snakes, fluted neck, incised marks 1-1894 Martin Bros London + Southall, 27cm high

56 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a large stoneware Dragon vase, 1893, footed and shouldered form, sgraffito decorated with fighting dragons and serpents, below a fluted neck, salt glazed ground, incised marks 11-1893, R W Martin + Bros, London + Southall, 47cm high

Note: the pair to this piece recently sold in New York

57 The Martin Brothers, a stoneware Dragon vase and cover, 1891, shouldered ovoid form, sgraffito decorated with dragons and serpents in combat, entwined and writhing, lid with a single beast, incised marks 10-1896 Martin Bros London + Southall, 20cm high

58 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a large stoneware Dragon vase, 1903, shouldered form, sgraffito decorated in the round with fierce reptiles in flight, chasing insects, incised marks 12-1903, RW Martin + Bros London + Southall, 31.5cm high

Provenance: John Scott collection, March 1977

59 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a novelty stoneware sculptural fish jug, 1887, modelled as a coiled sea creature, mouth open, the arched fin forming the handle, incised marks 3-1887, RW Martin + Bros, London + Southall, 22cm high Note: similar examples from this aquatic series of coiled fish and snail jugs, all produced in 1887, appear in Haslam, M, 1978, Martin Brothers, p.62, Fig. IX

60 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a novelty stoneware figural jug, 1880s, modelled as a an Angry Squirrel, sitting upright with open mouth spout, back turned front paws and tail handle, fur textured body, incised marks Martin London + Southall, 25cm high

61 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a grotesque stoneware inkwell, 1882, modelled as a fantastical gnarled head with open mouth and pointed ears, on paw feet, one eye closed, scaly tooled skin in green and brown, incised marks Martin London 5-1882, 9cm wide

62 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a small characterful sculptural stoneware owl figure, 1894, modelled as a bird with open mouth, incised marks Martin 11-1894, Martin Bros London + Southall, 16cm high

Provenance: Sotheby’s New York, 12th March 1997, lot 297

63 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a grotesque novelty stoneware spoon warmer, circa 1880, modelled as a characterful rodent, squatting with head raised and mouth open, the tail forming the handle, sgraffito textured, impressed mark RW Martin Southall, incised 544, 16.5cm high

64 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a novelty stoneware characterful beast spoon warmer, 1882, modelled as a zoomorphic turnip with four paws and coiled conical nightcap, wide grinning mouth, incised marks Martin London + Southall 8.9.1882, and to a panel on the body R W Martin London 1882, 15cm high

65 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a grotesque and characterful stoneware spoon warmer, 1886, modelled as an open mouthed bloated figure with loop handle and incised fur decoration, incised marks R W Martin London + Southall, 2.3.86, 10cm high

Provenance:

Provenance:

66 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware sculptural spoon warmer, circa 1882, modelled as a grotesque head, bearded and scaled, mouth open, glazed in greens and browns, on four prunt feet, incised marks R W Martin, London & Southall, 42, 14cm high

Phillips, London, 21st March 1985, lot 476

67 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware grotesque figural spoon warmer, 1882, modelled as a characterful tadpole with googly eyes and open mouth, the coiled tail forming the handle, incised marks Martin London + Southall, 4.9.1882, 11.4cm high

James Wilkes Collection; Steven Honig Collection

68 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a characterful stoneware spoon warmer, 1876, modelled as a whimsical toad like figure with human hands, floppy ears and wide grin, green and blue glazed scale decoration, 16cm high

69 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a grotesque stoneware figure of a winged armadillo, modelled with five openings to the back, for flowers, incised marks R W Martin + Bros, London + Southall, 1-1890, 23cm long

70 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a grotesque sculptural stoneware inkwell or covered spoon warmer, 1878, modelled as a characterful scaly winged beast, with hooves and human hands, the broad grinning mouth with exposed teeth, and coiled tail with a lidded compartment to the top, incised marks R W Martin Southall 2-1878, 18cm wide

Provenance:

71 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a grotesque figural stoneware bibelot or pin dish, 1900, modelled with a Gollum type dragon monster with webbed feet and long tail, straddling the edge of a pool, holding its mouth, incised marks 111900, Martin Bros London + Southall, 12cm long

72 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a grotesque stoneware sculptural vase, 1880s, squat ovoid form modelled in relief with a gnarled face to each side, below geometric sgraffito collar, incised marks Martin London, 12.5cm high

73 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a grotesque stoneware sculptural wall pocket, 1883, modelled as a coiled serpent with the head of an open mouthed beast with ears, the tongue raised, incised marks R W Martin Sc London 6.1883, the reverse Martin London, 17cm high

Harriman Judd collection; Sotheby’s New York, 6th October 2001, lot 82

74 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a characterful stoneware sculpture, 1904, modelled as a tortoise, the head with a quizzical expression and pursed lips, incised marks 3-1904 Martin Bros, London + Southall, 26cm long

75 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a characterful stoneware inkwell, 1910, modelled as an angry faced tortoise with wide open mouth, on coiled paw feet, incised marks Martin Bros 5 10 London + Southall, 13cm long

76 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a grotesque stoneware jug, circa 1880, modelled as a fantastical beast, the double gourd body with wide open bearded snarling mouth, coiled tail handle and two hooved front feet, partially incised marks RW Martin, London + Southall, 22cm high

77. Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a double sided face jug, 1899, one side modelled in high relief with the face of John Bull, the other with Uncle Sam (Brother Jonathan), each with a characterful expression, incised marks 8-1899, R W Martin + Bros, London + Southall, 20cm high

Note: a similar example purchased by Tiffany and Co. in 1899 has the addition of the flags of the United States and United Kingdom; another example with incised flags is illustrated in Beard, C., 1936, Catalogue of the Collection of Martinware of Frederic John Nettlefold, pp.220-223, pl.62-63

78

for Martin Brothers, a stoneware characterful Barrister face jug, 1910, modelled to each side with quizzical expressions and curled wig, incised marks, R W Martin + Bros, London + Southall, 8.5.1910, 17.5cm high

Note: see Haslam, M. 1978, Martin Brothers, p.131, fig.200 for an illustration of this design

79

for Martin Brothers, a stoneware Barrister face jug, 1902, relief modelled to each side with the face of a characterful grinning lawyer in short wig, incised marks 5.1902, RW Martin + Bros London + Southall, 21cm high

Provenance: Christie’s, London, 29th October 1998, lot 204

. Robert Wallace Martin

. Robert Wallace Martin

80 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware relief moulded face jug, 1902, each side with a grinning man, one with pursed lips, incised marks 5-1902, RW Martin + Bros, London + Southall, 21cm high

81 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a small stoneware two sided face jug, 1912, modelled to each side with a characterful grinning man, incised marks R W Martin & Bros London & Southall 11.11.1912, 13.5cm high

82 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brot hers, a grotesque and characterful stoneware sculpture, 1894, modelled as a grotesque creature with wasp body, petal ruffs, and the face of a smiling open mouthed goblin, salt glazed, incised marks Martin Bros London + Southall 5-1894, 12cm long

83 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a grotesque and characterful stoneware sculpture, 1894, modelled as a grotesque creature with armadillo body, ruffed, and the face of a smiling open mouthed goblin, glazed in blues, incised marks Martin Bros London 4-1894, 11.5cm long

84 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a bisque stoneware figure, 1904, modelled as a man throwing a boulder, kneeling on a rocky outcrop, incised marks 11.1904, R W Martin London + Southall, 9cm high

Provenance:

85 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware pawn chess piece, 1902, modelled as the bust of a chain mailed soldier, on square plinth base, salt glazed, incised marks R W Martin & Bros, London + Southall 1.11.1902, 8cm high

Richard Dennis Martin Brothers Pottery Exhibition 1978; illustrated in Haslam, M. 1978, Martin Brothers, p.133 fig.XXV

86 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware pawn chess piece, circa 1902, modelled as the bust of a laughing soldier with helmet, on square plinth base, salt glazed, incised marks Martin Bros, London + Southall, 8cm high

87 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware pawn chess piece, 1902, modelled as the bust of a startled soldier with helmet, on square plinth base, cream salt glazed, incised marks R W Martin + Bros, London + Southall 6.1902, 8cm high

88 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brot hers, a stoneware musical imp figure, 1891, modelled playing the drums with steel drumsticks, cream glazed, on wooden base, incised marks 11.1891, R W Martin Bros London + Southall, 13cm high

89 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware musical imp figure, circa 1891, modelled playing the tambourine with his elbow, cream glazed, on wooden base, incised marks R W Martin & Bros London + Southall, 13cm high

90 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware musical imp figure, 1906, modelled playing the harp, cream glazed, incised marks -1906, R W Martin & Bros London + Southall, 12cm high

91 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware musical imp figure, 1891, modelled singing from a hymn book, cream glazed, on wooden base, incised marks R W Martin Bros London + Southall 9 1891, 11.5cm high

R

Provenance:

92 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a Birdman sculptural stoneware jar and cover, 1907, modelled as a grotesque imp figure with the head of a bird, sitting holding one leg, incised marks 7-12-1907

W Martin + Bros, London + Southall, 23.5cm high

Harriman Judd collection; Sotheby’s 6th October 2001, lot 139; Dennis Attewell collection; Fantasies in Clay, Worthing Museum and Art Gallery 2003, number 13; Richard Dennis Exhibition 1978, number 720; on display at Birmingham City Art Gallery 1971 to 1978; illustrated in Haslam, M. 1978, Martin Brothers, p.129, fig.197

London

Provenance: illustrated in a contemporary photograph of 1888, showing birds on display, reproduced in Phillips Wondrous Beasts, Feathered Fantasies, New York, 15th December 2015, p.25

93 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a characterful sculptural stoneware bird jar, 1891, modelled as a sly figure with high shoulders and puffed out chest, the rotating head with wide ruffed brows to the half open eyes, on a turned wooden base, incised marks to head and base Martin Bros London and Martin Bros London + Southall, 21cm high

94 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brot hers, a miniature characterful sculptural stoneware bird figure, 1913, modelled as a grinning bird with crested and horned head, incised marks R W Martin + Bros Southall 20.12.1913, 9cm high

95 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brot hers, a characterful sculptural stoneware bird jar, circa 1888, modelled as a stout chick with pointed beak, pronounced nose ridge and semi webbed talons, on a turned wooden base, incised marks to head and base Martin Bros London and Martin Bros

+ Southall, 21cm high

96 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a characterful sculptural stoneware bird jar, 1897, modelled as a broad beaked bird with webbed feet, glazed in browns, the head slightly tilted with a sideways inquisitive glance, incised marks 6-1897 Martin Bros, London + Southall, 26.5cm high

97 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a characterful sculptural stoneware bird jar, 1898, modelled as a broad beaked bird with long talons, glazed in blues, the head with scaly squinting eyes, crested brows, incised marks Martin Bros, 21898, London + Southall, 27.5cm high

98 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a family of characterful sculptural stoneware owl jars, 1902, each formed individually as standing birds with docile expressions, feather framed eyes and curled beaks, variously glazed, two on square bases, incised marks to each R.W. Martin + Bros. London + Southall 3 + 5.1902, 26.5cm and 21.5cm high (3)

Note: each bird, now reunited, has the incised number 3 Christies 1st December 2005, lot 125

crest, Martin Bros London + Southall 111904, 29.5cm high

Provenance:

99 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a characterful sculptural stoneware bird jar, 1891, blue, green and brown plumage, the rotating head tilted, with eyes half open, curled down broad beak with prominent ridge, incised marks R W Martin + Bros London + Southall 7-1891, 30.5cm high

Sotheby’s Belgravia, 1st April 1976, lot 511

100 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a characterful sculptural stoneware jar and cover, 1902, modelled as a slender bird, with webbed feet and penguin type posture, glazed in pale blue and brown, on turned wooden base, incised marks to head Martin Bros 3-1902 London + Southall, and to the base, 28cm high

101 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a characterful sculptural stoneware bird jar, 1904, the elongated body with long scaly legs and jay type banding to the wings, the rotating head with pursed beak, broad eyebrows and peaked

102 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware characterful bird sculptural jar and cover, 1895, modelled as a distinguished figure with broad beak and scaly legs, incised marks R W Martin Bros London + Southall 1-1895, 27cm high

Provenance: Boobies, Boojums and Snarks, exhibition Jordan Volpe Gallery, New York, 1981, number 21

103 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware characterful bird sculptural jar and cover, 1886, modelled as a monk with prominent shoulders and tilted head, open ended beak, whistling, incised marks R W Martin London + Southall 5.1886, 30cm

Provenance: Andrew Furer and Elle Douglas Collection; Lillian Hoffman Collection

104 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a characterful sculptural stoneware bird jar, 1911, slender upright body with snooty expression, side glancing with curved beak, incised marks R W Martin & Bros London + Southall 20.6.1911, 24.5cm high

105. Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware characterful sculptural bird jar and cover, 1909, modelled with a broad flat beak and squinting eyes, blue, ochre and green glazed, incised marks R W Martin + Bros, London + Southall 19.2.1909, 25cm high

106. Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a small characterful sculptural stoneware bird jar, 1913, blue and green plumage, the rotating head with sly expression, incised marks R W Martin + Bro Southall 13 12 1913, 15cm high

107 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a characterful sculptural stoneware jar and cover, 1881, modelled as a dozy bird, with webbed feet and curled talons, the fixed head with long broad beak, tilted, with half closed, sleepy eyes, on turned wooden base, incised marks to head RW Martin London & Southall 3.9.81-, 30cm high

Note: an example of an early bird where the head is turned and sculpted on its axis, creating a flattened back

108 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, Tam O Shanter, a sculptural characterful stoneware bird jar, 1907, modelled as a distinguished Scottish figure with bonnet type headdress and kilt, with a sideways glance, pronounced knuckled talons and scaly webbed feet, incised marks R W Martin + Bros, London + Southall, 3-1907, 36cm high

Provenance:

109 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, Two’s Company, Three’s None, a characterful stoneware triple bird jar sculpture, 1909, modelled as a monk with two companions, each with rotating heads and broad beaks and elongated talons, incised marks to heads and to base Martin Bros London + Southall 9-1909, 21.5cm high

Sotheby’s 16th December 1977, lot 1024

110 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, The Dodo, a characterful sculptural stoneware bird jar, circa 1883, the portly figure modelled with a wide bill and opposing eyes, fixed head and webbed feet, incised marks Martin London and to the head R W Martin + Bros, London + Southall, 30cm high

111 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a very large characterful sculptural stoneware bird jar, 1895, modelled with webbed feet and rotating head, broad beak and sideways glance, incised marks Martin Bros 11-1895, London + Southall, 53cm high

Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a grotesque stoneware dragon jug, 1901, modelled in relief as a squatting grotesque gargoyle type creature, mouth wide open and tail curled to form the handle, on a square base and wooden plinth, incised marks R W Martin Bros

112

London 1901, 25.5cm high

Brothers, a stoneware sculptural dog jar and cover, 1895, modelled as a characterful and grotesque snarling canine, the rotating head with open mouth and opposing eyes, brown glazed, on a turned wooden base, incised marks to head Martin Bros London + Southall, 10-1895, 32cm high

113 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin

114 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a characterful sculptural dog jar, 1894, modelled as a seated canine with ruff collar, the rotating head with sly grimacing expression and tongue between its teeth, standing on his own tail, integrated ceramic base and wooden plinth, incised marks Martin Bros, London + Southall 8-1894, 28cm high

115 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a characterful sculptural stoneware cat like creature, 1894, modelled crouching with one hand on leg, the other arm across its chest, the rotating head with open grinning mouth, tiger stripe fur patination, on turned base, incised marks Martin and R W Martin. Bros London + Southall 4-1894, 26.5cm high

Provenance: Christie’s 13th October 1995, lot 68

116 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a characterful monkey sculptural tobacco jar and cover, 1888, grotesquely modelled as an impish ape, sitting, with hands clasped, the rotating head with closed grin and half closed eyes, on a turned wooden base, incised marks to lid R W Martin + Bros, 7-1-88, London + Southall, 23cm high

Provenance: Harriman Judd collection number 98; Sotheby’s New York, 6th October 2001, lot 142

117 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a characterful sculptural earthenware jar and cover, 1898, modelled as a frog with wide grinning mouth, sgraffito tooled scaly body and green glaze, incised marks Martin Bros London + Southall 3-1898, 26cm high

118 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware sculptural three headed beast jar, 1887, modelled with the body of a lion entwined with snakes, the rotating lid with three snarling dog heads being bitten by serpents, matt glaze, incised marks R W Martin + Bros, London + Southall 5-1887, 28cm high

Provenance: Harriman Judd; Sotheby’s New York, 6th October 2001, lot 151; illustrated in Haslam, M. 1978, Martin Brothers, p.101, fig.147

119 Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers, a grotesque sculptural stoneware jar and cover, 1884, modelled as a dog like creature with orc head, goatee and spiney crest, one eye open, mottled semi matt body, incised mark R W Martin & Brothers. London + Southall + 11.1884+, and to a patch on the body R W Martin 1883 S + London, 27cm high

Provenance: Roy Aitken Collection; Sotheby’s Belgravia 18th April 1978, lot 230

120 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware gourd vase, 1907, ovoid form, the rounded opening with pinched buttressing, pooled green dotted line pattern on beige ground, incised marks 20.5.1907, HMK, Martin Bros London + Southall, 10.5cm high

121 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a miniature stoneware gourd vase, 1894, ovoid bottle form modelled with vertical stripes in green, brown draining to cream glaze, incised marks 10-94, Martin Bros London, 4.5cm high

122 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a small stoneware gourd vase, 1904, square section bottle form modelled with serrated vertical stripes in green, cream glaze, incised marks 7-1904, Martin Bros London + Southall, 7.5cm high

123 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a miniature stoneware gourd vase, 1906, squat shouldered form with spiney vertical ribs between incised tooling, brown glazed, incised marks 5-1906 Martin Bros London, 3.7cm high

Provenance:

Provenance: Richard Dennis Martin Brothers Exhibition 1978, number 686; Gorgeously Grotesque, Exhibition, Worthing Museum and Art Gallery, 2003,

37; illustrated in Haslam, M. 1978, Martin

124 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a small stoneware gourd vase, 1906, ovoid sea urchin form, carved with vertical bands of geometric tooling, glazed in green and brown, incised marks 4.1906, Martin Bros, London + Southall, 6.5cm high

Sotheby’s Belgravia, 1st April 1976, lot 491

125 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, an exceptionally small miniature stoneware gourd vase, 1904, squat ovoid urchin form, sgraffito decorated with geometric line decoration to the rim, incised marks 10-1904, Martin London, 1.7cm high

126 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware gourd vase, 1907, double ogee form, the seamed leafy bands bursting with seeds, crimped open mouth, incised marks 6-1907, Martin Bros, London + Southall, 11.5cm high

127 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a miniature earthenware gourd vase, 1907, squat ovoid urchin form, green glazed with white stripes, incised marks 5-1907, Martin Bros London + Southall, 4cm high

number

Brothers, p.119

128 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a small stoneware gourd vase, 1907, lobed ovoid form with open square mouth, white spotted on green ground, incised marks 3-1907, Martin Bros London + Southall, 8cm high

129 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a small stoneware gourd vase, 1901, ovoid form, modelled with random concave crater design, celadon glazed, incised marks 9-1901, Martin Bros London + Southall, 7cm high

130 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a small stoneware gourd vase, 1904, tapered barrel form, modelled with random concave crater design, salt glazed, incised marks 11-1904, Martin Bros London + Southall, 6.5cm high

131 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a small stoneware gourd vase, 1907, vertically ribbed bottle form, carved with green spots, black ground, incised marks 5-1907, Martin Bros London + Southall, 8cm high

132 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a small stoneware gourd vase, 1903, twin handled square section shouldered form, painted with white spots on blue ground, incised marks 1-1903, Martin Bros London + Southall, 5.5cm high

133 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware gourd vase, 1903, twin handled flattened ovoid form, blue crackled vein glaze, 10-1903, Martin Bros London + Southall, 18cm high

134 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware gourd vase, 1913, shouldered ovoid form, relief moulded veins, glazed in blue, incised marks 6-1913, Martin Bros London + Southall, 6.5cm high

135 Clement Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware gourd type vase, circa 1920, square section baluster form, relief moulded scale design, glazed in blue draining to green, incised marks RW Martin & Bros Southall, 13cm high

136 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a pair of stoneware gourd vases, 1904, waisted square section form with channelled circular rims, scratched decoration of spots on black glazed ground, incised marks 6-1904, Martin Bros London + Southall, 16cm high (2)

137 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware gourd vase, 1901, buttress shouldered square section, each side speckled with slip centred spots on an orange ground, incised marks 11-1901, Martin Bros London + Southall, 18cm high

138 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware gourd vase, 1903, ribbed and shouldered ovoid form, cream ground with green eyed brown spots, incised marks 11-9-1903, Martin Bros London + Southall, 11cm high

Provenance:

139 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware gourd vase, 1903, relief moulded with shouldered lobes, sgraffito decorated as feathered foliate fronds, incised marks 11-1903 Martin Bros London + Southall, 24cm high

Richard Dennis Martin Brothers Exhibition 1978, number 456; Gorgeously Grotesque, Exhibition, Worthing Museum and Art Gallery, 2003, number 3

140 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brot hers, a stoneware gourd vase, 1905, shouldered ovoid form, with fluted lappets in black over cream glaze, incised marks 7-1905, Martin Bros London + Southall, 8cm high

141 Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware gourd vase, 1899, relief moulded wrythen ribbing with combed sgraffito stripes, incised marks 11-99, Martin Bros London + Southall, 12cm high

142. Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brot hers, a stoneware gourd vase, 1901, shouldered form with five brown glaze buttress pilasters, on green and white slip decorated ground, incised marks 41901, Martin Bros London + Southall, 13.5cm high

143. Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware gourd vase, 1899, vertically ribbed octagonal baluster form, sgraffito incised organic textured decoration, beige glaze, incised marks 2-1899, Martin Bros London + Southall, 24.5cm high

Provenance: Richard Dennis Martin Brothers Exhibition 1978, number 366

144. Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brot hers, a stoneware gourd vase, 1898, ribbed and shouldered form, six vertically ribbed panels of sgraffito stripes, blue green glazed, incised marks 10-1898, Martin Bros London + Southall, 21.5cm high

145. Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, a stoneware Aquatic gourd vase, 1900, baluster form, relief moulded with limpets with sgraffito highlighting, blue glazed over mottled ground, incised marks 1-1900 Martin Bros London + Southall, 28.5cm high

146. Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brothers, an Aquatic stoneware gourd vase, 1904, buttressed square section, relief moulded with glazed limpet shells, incised marks 2-1904 Martin Bros, London + Southall, 17.5cm high

Provenance: The Edward Spencer collection (Artificer’s Guild), thence by descent to his godson; private collection

147. Edwin and Walter Martin for Martin Brot hers, a stoneware gourd vase, 1902, squat conical form, relief moulded with trailing roots emanating from the rim, green blue draining to cream glaze, incised marks 11.1902 Martin Bros London + Southall, 11cm high

148 The Martin Brothers, a stoneware Aquatic gourd vase, with snake type handles, 1900, shouldered and ribbed form, modelled with four handles in the form of serpents or eels biting the rim, the body decorated in relief with jellyfish, incised marks 11-1900 Martin Bros, London + Southall, 28cm high

Note: a collaboration of the work of Robert Wallace (in the handles), Edwin and Walter Martin, the piece was illustrated in Apollo Magazine circa 1901

149 The Martin Brothers, a stoneware twin handled snake gourd vase, 1904, the bottle form scaly vessel with two relief moulded serpent handles biting the rim, incised marks 9-1904 Martin Bros London + Southall, 15.5cm high