The Martin Brothers Pottery, founded at Pomona House, Fulham, London, in 1873 and relocated to Southall in 1877, represents a significant chapter in the narrative of British ceramics. Among the quartet of brothers—Walter Fraser, Edwin, Charles, and Robert Wallace Martin—it was Robert, the chief modeler and designer, who left an indelible mark on the legacy of this iconic pottery. Today, amid soaring auction prices and a rekindled interest in their works, Martin Brothers Pottery is celebrated for its unique contributions to the art pottery movement, particularly through their Grotesque sculptures and bird jars.
Their craft ventured beyond mere pottery, embodying the whimsy and eccentricity of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A record-breaking sale of a grotesque crab for $220,000 at Phillips in 2018 and a Robert Wallace sculpted bird jar fetching £170,000 at Kinghams Auctioneers in 2023 underscore the enduring fascination with their creations. These figures not only testify to the artistic merit and collectability of Martinware but also reflect a burgeoning market for pieces that encapsulate the fusion of artistic vision and technical prowess.
The brothers’ foray into pottery commenced with architectural works, a domain largely overseen by Charles. Their repertoire, however, is most famed for the Grotesque or ‘Wally’ bird tobacco jars, alongside mugs and jugs adorned with grotesque faces, all of which constituted just a fragment of their output. Inspired by 18th-century illustrations and executed with a nod to Japanese style, their vessels—often mirroring vegetables in form—were decorated with scenes of birds amidst grasses, perched on branches, or surrounded by aquatic life.
The rarity and value of Martinware partly stem from the unpredictable nature of their kiln firings, with a small fraction of their creations surviving the process intact. The majority of their works bear the mark “RW Martin & Brothers London & Southall,” with pieces directly attributed to Robert Wallace Martin commanding higher prices. His works, rich in narrative and detail, often reflected contemporary affairs, including caricatures of notable figures such as the barrister Sir Edward Clarke and political commentary through pottery.
The Martin Brothers’ interest in current events extended to themes like polar expeditions and political debates, with Wallace creating pieces that served as social commentary. Their approach to pottery was innovative, blending sculptural artistry with functional design, a hallmark of the studio pottery movement that would gain prominence in the years following their operation.
Their “Wally Birds” and other sculptural pieces, characterized by exaggerated features and expressive faces, did not adhere to the depiction of actual species. Instead, these creations were imbued with personality and humor, often serving practical purposes like tobacco storage. The intricate craftsmanship and distinctive style of these pieces have cemented Martinware’s position as highly sought-after collectibles, with record auction prices reflecting their significant place within the realms of art and antiques.
Operating at the intersection of art and craft, the Martin Brothers’ pottery transcended conventional ceramics, embracing the spirit of innovation and individuality that defined the art pottery movement. Their legacy, preserved in collections and museums, continues to captivate and inspire, a testament to their pioneering contributions to the field of ceramic art.
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