Wally Bird
A Wally Bird is a tobacco jar or vase in the style of a grotesque owl or bird, first termed for the sculptural productions in this form by Robert Wallace Martin. These were typical examples of Martinware — salt-glazed stoneware which was produced by the Martin Brothers in their pottery; first in Fulham and then in Southall.
The Wally Birds were popular but did not make the Martins wealthy; the pottery closed in 1914.
Examples of these birds now sell at auction for large sums of money.[1][2][3]
References[]
- ^ Jonathan Oates (2003), Southall and Hanwell, p. 67
- ^ Fiona Gallagher (2000), Christie's art nouveau,
the Martin Brothers were extremely popular with their series of 'Wally Bird' tobacco jars formed as grotesque, comical or pensive owl-like birds
- ^ Thorpe, Vanessa (2019-11-10). "Martin brothers' quirky bird jar expected to fetch up to £50,000 at auction". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 2020-06-23.
Categories:
- English pottery
- Art pottery
- Ceramic art and design stubs