A Rare Slipware Spaniel, Elland, Halifax, Yorkshire, England, C.1840

Description

Here we have a delightful hand-made slipware model of a spaniel ‘couchant’.

Made with coal measure red clay, pressed into simple moulds, dipped in white slip, additional scratched details added by hand, dipped in raw galena glaze and finally dabbed highlights in manganese.

Most likely by the Kitsons of the Ainley Top and Woodman House potteries, situated on the windswept moorland heights above Halifax. If so, almost certainly by the young Elizabeth Kitson and her mother making fillers to fit around the bigger pots in the kiln, in order to supplement the income from each firing.

Many of these country potteries existed on inhospitable sites at high altitude in order to create the maximum draw needed for the kilns which would be built inside a hovel to protect the fireboxes, and even out the chimney draw all year round.

I have nothing but admiration for these wonderful potters who produced some of the finest historic slipware folk art made in the British Isles.

Haven’t seen another of these in almost 40 years, a rare thing. Fabulous.

Date
Early 19th century.

Dimensions
3.5’’ H and 6.5’’ W O/A approx.

Condition
In good condition, with only minor ‘touch-up’ to nose, along with slight wear commensurate with age and handling.

Price
£295   $397-USD

Ref Number: 520120A
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