Charles Wileman Foley Intarsio Twin Handled Footed Vase c.1898

A very striking Charles Wileman Foley Intarsio Art Nouveau twin handled footed vase. The vase has a conical body with flared foot and opposing handles. Attractive Egyptian inspired design encircling the body of the vase. Decorated rim. Cw Foley Intarsio mark used 1894 to 1910 and pattern number 3017 (registered 1898). The origins of Shelley (Foley) pottery were in the district known as Foley in the potteries and goes back to pre-1829. By 1872 several changes in ownership resulted in the company being known as Wileman & Co but using Foley mark. The appointment of Frederick Rhead as Art Director in 1896 had a dramatic influence on the style and variety of earthenware products produced. This included the introduction of ‘Intarsio’ ware, which became one of their most popular ranges of art pottery produced by Wileman & Co – exhibited by Liberty’s, one of the main trend-setters of the time. Rhead left the company in 1905. In 1910 the trade name was changed to Shelley Potteries Ltd. and a new mark bearing the name ‘Shelley’ was introduced.