Sought after by collectors since the 19th century, Moorcroft pottery remains highly collectable today. Our latest guide looks at Moorcroft pottery patterns and how to value your collection.
Moorcroft Pottery – a brief history
William Moorcroft founded his own studio in 1912, having previously been employed by James Macintyre & Co. While at Macintyre’s, Moorcroft was awarded a gold medal at the 1904 St Louis International Exhibition. Once his own studio was established, Moorcroft quickly became a supplier of ceramicware to such prestigious retailers as Liberty, Tiffany & Co., and Harrods. By 1928, Moorcroft was appointed potter to HM Queen Mary. When William died in 1945, he was succeeded in the business by his son Walter. Walter retired in the 1980s but the studio still operates today.
Moorcroft pottery patterns
Moorcroft Florian ware - known for its organically-inspired, floral patterns, Moorcroft the brand first came to prominence with the ‘Florian’ pattern for which William had won the gold at St Louis. Featuring different flowers including irises and tulips, Florian ware was characterised by tube lining, a method which created a line design through a raised slip technique. Colour was applied between the lines which in turn accentuated the soft colour palette used. Early examples of Florian ware is extremely collectable and commands consistently high prices at auction.
Moorcroft pottery patterns (Macintyre period) – alongside Florian, other early patterns from Moorcroft’s time at Macintyre’s realise the highest prices. These include Poppy, Hazeldene landscapes, Claremont with toadstool, Tudor Rose, Pomegranate and Wisteria.
Later Moorcroft pottery patterns – pieces by William and Walter remain in demand and patterns to look for include Eventide and Dawn.
The most collectable Moorcroft pottery patterns
As with all ceramicware, age and condition are key in the value of any piece. With Moorcroft, the most coveted pieces are those made by William himself, which bear his signature. Particularly collectable are the Claremont, Poppy and Iris pieces that date from 1900-1920.
Moorcroft pottery markings
There are relatively few markings on Moorcroft Pottery as the studio remained in the same family for so long. This makes identification a little easier. Without exception, all Moorcroft pottery will have marks on the base to identify the year of manufacture and that it is made in England. The presence of initials will indicate the painter or tube liner and some Moorcroft pieces also feature a ‘Moorcroft signature’ of the artist. The most expensive pieces by William Moorcroft will bear a hand painted signature or, sometimes, his hand painted initials, WM. Post 1928, pieces were impressed with ‘Potter to HM The Queen’.
Identifying fake Moorcroft pottery
- Fortunately for collectors, all genuine Moorcroft pottery will always be marked so any pieces that are blank on the base are NOT genuine.
- Genuine pieces are manufactured from earthenware with most fakes being made from porcelain, which are lighter in weight when held. Porcelain fake pieces are translucent so shine a torch and see if the light passes through – a genuine earthenware piece will remain opaque.
- Study pictures of genuine pieces – the craftsmanship in a Moorcroft piece is hard to replicate and while techniques like tube lining can be reproduced, they will lack the quality of a genuine piece.
Moorcroft Pottery at Hemswell Antique Centres
At Hemswell Antique Centres, our specialist ceramic dealers offer a wide selection of Moorcroft pottery, giving you the peace of mind that your purchases are genuine and authenticated by experts. Whether you are looking for a Moorcroft pottery vase or Moorcroft pottery lamps, we have something for everyone.