Tea & Old Lace

This is the best-balanced set of Doulton Slater’s Patent Lambeth Ware I have seen. The marble-like dark green salt glaze reins in the extravagant lace and flower band just enough to keep it from being “over the top”.

Doulton & John Slater, manager of Doulton’s Burslem Pottery patented the design process c.1885. When the pots were taken off the wheel, damp lace would be pressed into the area of the clay to be worked. Sometimes moulded clay pieces were applied on top of this cloth-impressed background, other times an enamel and gilt worked decoration was painted by hand on top of the glazed and twice-fired piece. The impressed area might form a panel, a band or entirely cover the finished work.

The process was complicated, often involving the skills of several artists/artists’ assistants. Consequently, collectors will often see multiple marks on the bottom together with the Doulton logo and “Doulton & Slater’s Patent” stamp. Each mark represents an artist. If you look at the photos of the bases of the three items offered here, you will see those various marks. Some of them are recorded in reference books, many are not.

Slater’s Patent wares were produced from 1885 to 1915, with the occasional drift back to the process between 1919 and 1939. The pattern No. on this one, X5339, was introduced between 1897-1902. According to Eyles & Irvine, the ‘rg’ on the bottom of our little creamer or milk jug belonged to Miss L. Rawlings, who worked as an assistant until c.1911. Any other identifiable marks fall within this period. They include Minnie Forester (1895-1915), Ethel Beard (1890-1930s), and the manufacturer’s mark.

This is a virtually pristine set. Please contact us if you require any further details!

Doulton & Slater’s Patent Lambeth Ware Teapot, Creamer & Sugar Bowl, c. 1900: No Longer Available