Due to a wave of immigration to Barcelona in the middle of the 19th century and to increasingly difficult living conditions, the city’s government decided to construct a new district called Eixample. This area became a playground for the architects of the Catalan Modernisme, such as Josep Puigi Cadafalch, Antonio Gaudi, and Lluis Domenechi Montaner. At Passeig de Gracia, Eixample’s splendid boulevard, these three masters of Modernisme competed with one another to build the most beautiful house. (more…)

In 1921, the Carter & Co. Pottery in Poole, England acquired a subsidiary pottery that became known as Carter, Stabler & Adams. Known from early on as the ‘Poole Pottery’, the company soon became well known for its decorative wares. (more…)

by ganchingabz

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The Midwinter Pottery was founded in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire in 1910 by William Robinson Midwinter. Tableware and nursery ware dominated production, with the prevalent Art Deco style being used from the mid-1920s-30s when the company had expanded to employ over 700 staff. (more…)

A central figure in the British Arts and Crafts movement, William de Morgan was a stained glass designer before he became interested in ceramics. Common motifs in his work include flora and fauna, usually stylized and frequently in grotesque forms. He was inspired by medieval Persian and Moorish design. (more…)

Vilmos Zsolnay assumed control of his brother’s factory in Pecs, Hungary, in the mid-nineteenth century. In 1899, Miklos, Vilmos’s son, became manager. The firm still produces ceramic ware. (more…)

As with other areas of antiques, the market for Asian ceramics is volatile. Much south-after rarities are in demand, whereas less-desirable pieces are proving difficult to sell. Demand for Chinese Imperial porcelain continues unabated, especially in the home market. Other good-quality rare pieces are as eagerly south after. In contrast, less important pieces are failing to sell. A recent international sale saw 50 per cent of items remained unsold. (more…)