A fabulous antique Wardle majolica pitcher with purple pansies. The glaze on the pansies is just fantastic.
Brilliant colours & form. Fine hairlines on base & rim & 1 on handle. Chip on spout underside & bit of glaze loss to the inside rim. Measures 8" h x 7" spout to handle.
Founded in 1868 by James Wardle, Wardle & Co. operated from William Street in Hanley. In 1884, the firm occupied the Washington Works on Victoria Street and remained in business in Hanley until 1910. After undergoing additional development of the site during the 20th century, the Washington Works was demolished in 2009.
Wardle’s most popular pattern was the Bird and Fan, an Oriental styled motif rendered on a variety of table wares and other functional wares. Bamboo and Fern, Sunflower, and Pineapple are among other recognized Wardle designs.
Marked pieces bear an impressed WARDLE and British Registry Mark although many specimens attributed to Wardle are unmarked.
