Classic Art Ware - Debateable origins

[islandretro]

I have been thinking about and discussing with various collectors the origins of Classic Art Ware pottery for quite some time now, and since the publication of the 2nd People's Potteries book and the attribution of the label to John Barnard Knight, and subsequently the attribution of some CAW pieces to JBK in an upcoming Australian Pottery auction, I have decided to "go public" in the hope of flushing some information, or at least informative debate out of the woodwork 🙂

As I have said else where, I don't agree with Dorothy Johnstons attribution of this label to John Barnard Knight, a Melbourne potter associated with the label Janet Grey. I, (and others, not having come to this conclusion in isolation, I have talked to various collectors), believe there is a connection with Delamere Art Pottery from Sydney; whether this was a label attached to their wares sold through a certain outlet or a range they sold themselves similarly to Diana's Hollywood or Pate's Regent labels no one is sure.







Anyway - here are some photos for you to see labels on various CAW pieces that have always been attributed to Delamere (except the Koalas which are attributed only to CAW and the frog in the 1st pic which has a Delamere sticker). Aside from this there is continuity of glaze colour, and various motifs common over CAW and Delamere attributed pieces I can post pics of as well if anyone is interested, to support this theory.

Hoping there are some other CAW/Delamere collectors reading who might have info to share

cheers
Rae

[islandretro]

They are fabulous pieces indeed, love the eagle and the "cherry" bowl - it is similar to my 2 "leaf" bowls. Thank you for sharing them.

Dorothy Johnston has that pixie as made by Marie Gardner in her first book - I am pretty much 100% sure it isn't Delamere. I have never seen anything from them that was cold painted.

cheers

Rae

[glassdiamonds67]

Hi all,

 just came across this listing and was shocked to see this little beauty with its sticker, would appreciate others thoughts

.Australian pottery Koala by Florenz

Leonie and Apple.

[wilneil]

Just had a little look in a glass cabinet and found we have one, almost identical, but without a sticker, always thought it was something else, can't quite remember what at this minute.

Wilma

[sellittobuythat]

Hi Wilma,

They are fantastic, but i am now confused as i thought they were CAW or Delamere.

Leonie.

[kooriflag]

I already sent him an email. Wrong sticker mate!!!

You can see the edge of the sticker is loose and it is actually a later Florenz sticker from the 70's. This is a genuine dud and added to the piece.

The Florenz name was attributed to these pieces by a Melbourne dealer trying to get better money from them as no information was or is available for CAW.

Do not get sucked in by this label

Pip

[sellittobuythat]

Hi Pip, 

Thank-you so much for clearing this up, so many pitfalls for those still learning.

Hopefully this seller will do the right thing and end this listing, remove this sticker and relist with the correct info.

Lovely item so it should still sell without the wrong sticker on it.

Once again thanks for your help.

Leonie.

[kooriflag]

Don't hold your breath. Got the reply telling me that it is listed this way in Carters. Too much miss information out there.

It will run it's course but it is wrong,

PIp

[islandretro]

I agree totally with Pip. Someone has stuck that sticker on to try to attribute it to get more money, I would say.. The seller could have bought it like this. There are so many around with the CAW sticker, that is the very first time I have seen one with a Florenz sticker!

The seller clearly doesn't know that Carters just prints info from dealers, who are often wrong.

[kooriflag]

This thread started about CAW a long time ago and has evolved into a very interesting and informative tale. As we know Delamere Art Pottery is the beginning of the story and I found the mighty Dragon bowl a few months ago right here on ebay.

A very big thank you to the fellow boardie who pointed me to it :-x. I will never forget your generosity

Pip

[islandretro]

That is such a magnificent piece - I am glad you now have it in your collection  Pip! For an avid Delamere collector, it is almost the holy grail!

cheers

Rae