A Message of Love, c.1891-1902
Founded in 1815, Doulton pottery was originally known for its practical salt-glazed stoneware products including beer bottles. Henry Doulton, the son of the founder, started the first ever sewer pipe factory and made a fortune from sanitary ware. During the 1860s he was persuaded to start experimenting with art pottery and he exhibited his first collection at the Paris Exhibition in 1867, followed by the London Exhibition in 1872 where it was noticed by Queen Victoria.
Fired on by his success, Henry Doulton built a new factory complex on the Lambeth Embankment between 1876 and 1878. In 1885, he was awarded the prestigious Albert Medal of the Society of Arts (now the Royal Society of Arts) for his development of artistic pottery and the technical education of women.
The factory recruited many talented artists and gilders. Pieces signed by Joseph Birbeck Senior, Percy Curnock, and Edward Raby became instantly collectable.
Sidney Tushingham studied at the Royal College of Art and established himself as painter-etcher. The artistry of Tussingham and other painters ensured Doulton’s success which was rewarded with the granting of a Royal Warrant by Edward VII in 1901.
