Martin Brothers
The “Genius” of the Martin Brothers was born out of the early apprenticeships of Robert and Edwin at the Doulton Lambeth factories and prior to that at the Palace of Westminster. Each of the Four Brothers had distinct roles with in the Studio; Robert Wallace was the self-appointed figure head of the factory and was principally responsible for the modelling; the face jugs and grotesques were largely his work. Charles ran the shop and gallery at High Holborn, London, whilst Edwin was the principal decorator and Walter the thrower.
They were the early pioneers of the studio pottery movement, using salt glaze stoneware to produce their unique and hand-crafted designs. The vessels range from the early formal geometric and floral designs through to their comical and grotesque vases and models incorporating birds and sea creatures and the highly unusual “spoonwarmers”.
Later production focussed on a range of organic gourd vases. Their work was highly collectable even at the time of production and they were patronised by some of the leading philanthropists, merchants and politicians of the day. It is said that their grotesque “Wally Birds” were modelled on leading public figures of the day.
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Stock for sale
191
Very unusual and rare Martin Brother’s Dish with two compartments, supported by two laughing humanoid creatures with curled tail / legs resembling mermen and women.
Marked to the inside of the dish and dated (probably March 1884) and to the underside.
28cm wide, 11.5cm high and 18.5cm deep
5649
Martin Brothers Two Handled Vase decorated with Two Spider Crabs against a Ochre Brown Ground with a Contrasting Green Rim.
Dated 1903
Numerous Glaze creases from the time of manufacture
19.5cm high, 13cm wide, 9cm deep
5633
Martin Brothers Face Jug, decorated both sides with a smiling face by Robert Wallace Martin.
One side depicts very strong modelling of a Male with glancing eyes and protruding tongue and teeth, the other more simply decorated with a smiling Male but again with strong modelling
Firing crack to the top of the head from the time of manufacture
17.5cm high, 15cm wide, 14cm deep
Dated 1903
Martin Brothers Bird decorated in tones of Brown and Buff with Blue Flecks to the Chest. With a Tonsure and a Pinched Beak, the bird displays a character that is Dignified and Wise.
Measuring 23.5 cm high, 8cm across the chest and 10.5cm across the base and dated 3. 1899
In excellent condition, free from restoration, there is a fine firing crack to the base and a couple of minor frits to the top rear of the body
5583
Striking and Unusual Large Martinware Gourd Vase, with a bulbous body and propellor twist neck in a cobalt glaze.
Glaze losses to rim
24cm high, 14cm wide
First quarter of 20th century
5582
Substantial Martin Brothers Cache Pot in a Gun Metal Glaze
16cm high, 16cm wide
Dated 1910
Firing Irregularities to areas of the Shoulder
The George Twyman Collection of Martin Ware
5578
R. W. Martin for the Martin Brothers. A Grotesque Stoneware Bird Jar with a Quizzical Expression, raised eyebrows and cobalt and brown glazes.
Invisible restoration to the head
23cm high, 7.5cm wide, 9cm deep
Dated 1908
A Perfect Gift for the Pottery Enthusiast in your life…. or a hint to those who find you difficult to buy for!
Any denomination can be produced and can be used in full or part payment to any item on the site
5462
Rare Martin Brothers Miniature Bird by Robert Wallace Martin.
The Cobalt Glazed Bird stands with wings tucked in and a quizzical / curious expression.
8cm high, Dated 1913
5429
Large Martin Brothers Gourd Vase in a Gunmetal glaze. The rim with impressed roundels.
24cm high, 11cm wide
Dated 1905
5377
Robert Wallace Martin for the Martin Brothers.
A salt-glazed stoneware sculpture of an infant bird.
Decorated with a palate of greens, browns and blue with webbed feet and a coy expression.
This is a very early example dated 1881, and is typical of these early pieces the head is in a fixed position and the hardwood plinth is of rectangular form. The head is marked to the flange and the body is marked within a lozenge to the claw and dated to the recess for the beak.
27.5 cm high including the base
Exhibited at the Richard Dennis exhibition of 1971
In excellent condition and free from restoration.
Martin Brothers Grotesque spoonwarmer modelled as a wide-mouthed bird with snout! Circa 1880
Dimensions
25cm high, 17cm wide
Stock number
4591
5346
Early Martin Brothers Aquatic Vase decorated with numerous Fish with Seaweed Lug Handles
Small, invisible restoration to the rim - several firing irregularities to one area
26cm high, 14cm wide
Dated 1874
Martin Brothers Gourd by Edwin Martin decorated with an incused geometric design highlighted in blue
2cm high, 3cm wide
1904
5264
Martin Brothers Square section Vase of elongated Gourd Form with a speckled glaze
Glaze bubble burst and a glaze loss to one of the protruding fronds
Dated 1901
27cm high
5261
Martin Brothers Spoonwarmer modelled as a wide-mouthed creature with a beard by Robert Wallace Martin
Dated 1880
14.5cm high, 11cm wide
Edwin and Robert Wallace Martin Plaque modelled as a sleeping boy draped in a sheet.
Tiled “He rests, he sleeps, nor dreams of any harm”
Signed by the Brothers
Firing crack to side
Circa 1880
41cm high, 16cm wide
5232
Large Martin Brothers Bird by Robert Wallace Martin.
A well modelled example with a docile expression.
Dated 1912 and measuring 34cm high
Firing crack to base
5205
Martin Brothers’ Three handled Tyg decorated with a scene of Hounds chasing a Deer.
Firing crack to the inside of the rim (doesn’t travel through)
Dated 1880
16cm high, 15 cm wide (excluding the handles)
5150
Martin Brother’s Jug decorated with blossom
slight glaze frit to lip
5cm high, 6cm wide
Circa 1900
5129
Robert Wallace Martin for the Martin Brothers.
A Grotesque Bird with a “Knowing” expression and winking eye in a high gloss glaze.
This is an early example and whilst apparently undated dates Circa 1880s
There are two chips and areas of roughness to the rim and the head has a metal collar and is infilled with a composite which appears to be period with its manufacture
Measuring 35cm high including the stand and 33cm without.
Martin Brothers miniature gourd with impressed decoration to the shoulders 1894
Dimensions
3cm high, 3cm wide
Stock number
4571
Robert Wallace Martin Vase decorated with Grotesque and Comical Fish, Crabs, Eel and Squid Small glaze frit to the rim Dated 1906
Dimensions
24.5cm high
Stock number
5095
Complimentary Passport to any collector or museum who has in their possession a Martin Brothers Bird. These linen, perfect bound passports are individually numbered and personalised with a picture of your bird and is intended to stay with the bird on its travels, detailing its ownership / provenance for future generations. Please email Alison to receive further details
5665
Martin Brothers Square section Aquatic Vase in a Cobalt Glaze.
The Four Handled Vase is decorated with numerous sea creatures including grotesque and comical Fish, Squid, Eel, Jelly Fish and Sea Snails
Dated 1909
23.5cm high, 6cm wide
Abrasion to one of the handles and some glaze pops to the body