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

[wilneil]

Hi Everyone,
thank you very much for your help, at least we now know what we have and who made it, The Kiwi and the fox are keepers 'cos we like them, the other will probably be listed given time.

Will have more things for you later, bought a large collection yesterday, private house, friends that are downsizing. There is some pretty interesting pieces, but need to unpack and take pictures. Actually I should start another thread for them.
Thanks again.

Wilma

[4ewesonly]

hi All,
I have a large size vase [15cm tall ]that according to Dorothys' book is Delamere, but has the similar colouring to your photos with applied decoration.
Of course mine has no markings on it :^O

I do like the thread and think its great that you want to find more info regarding both potteries for the rest of us to watch with baited breath for your findings.
Cheers
Jen

[islandretro]

Hi Jen, can you post a pic of it? thanks
cheers
Rae

[kooriflag]

Hi Rae,
Do you still have a pic of the Horses head?
I think that belongs on here and would be of interest as I am certain it is Classic,
Cheers,
Pip

[4ewesonly]

hi Rae, Strange as it may seem after listing photos on ebay to sell for years, I don't know how to put a photo on here. otherwise I would..
sad int'it

[islandretro]

Hi Jen, do you use photobucket or a similar (free) photo hosting service for your ebay listings? you can use the thumbnail option from there to post thumbnails on here. I can email you with instructions if you like
cheers
Rae

[islandretro]

I just wanted to share some more pics with you all to show the diversity and and also the similarities between CAW and Delamere. Only one of the following pics has a CAW sticker, only one a Delamere sticker, none are signed.

But they all share the glaze colours, distinctive markings and some the distinctive "sponged" glaze effect common on Delamere attributed pieces.






I am still hoping some others who collect this pottery besides Pip and myself will find this thread and contribute their thoughts - all input is gratefully received!

cheers
Rae

[kooriflag]

Hi Rae,
Thanks for being the brains behind these pics as I am still way too dumb to work out posting pics.

But I must point out that I am now certain that the Mexican is nothing to do with CAW/ Delamere. It is infact a Tesmic piece as I finally got a matching piece with a sticker.

So in the interest of keep to the current subject matter please to all readers ignore the last pic....except to admire it as the fine work of another fabulous Sydney Pottery 😉

Cheers,
Pip

[kooriflag]

Sorry, That should say" keeping" to the current subject....too much night shift :^O

[islandretro]

Hi Pip,
I removed that pic for the sake of sticking to the subject, sorry about that, though it is (was) a nice piece but mistakenly included 🙂

cheers
Rae