Della Robbia Ceramics

Vincent says “I love the idea of coloured tiles outside. They remind me of my childhood and the schools and churches that I attended.  The decoration in those buildings always had something interesting to look at – at child height too!”

The Williamson Art Gallery is proud to be home to the largest public collection of Della Robbia pottery in the UK.  Founded in 1894 in Birkenhead by Harold Rathbone, the ceramics factory was inspired by the principles of the Arts & Crafts movement.  Using local labour and materials but inspired by Italian designs of the 15th and 16th centuries, the workshop produced brightly coloured architectural and decorative designs.  Its work was sold by stories including Liberty.

Although the studio itself was short-lived, closing in 1906, there has always been a considerable interest in the works it produced.  Our collection is on permanent display in Gallery 9.