A Rare Art-Deco Slipware Artisan Pint Mug, Soil Hill, Halifax, England, 1939

Description

Here we have a fine example of a slipware mug made around the time of the Second World War, decorated with an artistic representation of the Bradford Grammar School by “A.S.” in 1939.

Pieces like this were made during a difficult period of the ever growing industrial threat for the country potters during the early decades of the 20th century, and have now become sought-after and collectable in their own right.

The potters of Soil Hill were only too keen to diversify into alternative areas of potential income, for example inviting the public, usually groups of W.I. or art students to come to the pottery and decorate wares thrown by the potters.

These artisan potters, eager and enthusiastic, were able to pay to have pots made for them and to decorate for themselves (occasionally at the potworks but usually at home).

The initials “A.S.” and the date 1939 are clearly marked on the underneath of the mug, on the reverse is a deco design stating “19 BGS 39”. Unfortunately we’ll probably never know who A.S. was, inspired decoration by a gifted amateur who will have lived locally to Soil Hill, most likely Bradford.

Thrown by one of the Buttons at the Soil Hill pottery, the mug was then taken home by “A.S.” to decorate and be brought back to be raw-glazed & once-fired in the enormous (500 cubic foot) updraft coal kiln.

These ornamental pieces would be used as fillers, standing in vacant spaces on the heavy fire clay shelves in among the large bread crocks, stew pots and pancheons that were the staple products of the pottery.

Date
Early 20th Century.

Dimensions
4’’ H x 4’’ W  O/A approx.

Condition
Very good, with only minor wear commensurate with age and handling.

Price
£275   $371-USD

Ref Number: 528003A
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