Linthorpe Pottery Small Biscuit Barrel with Swing Handle by Henry Tooth c.1880

Charming Linthorpe Pottery small biscuit barrel by Henry Tooth c1880. Characteristic of Christopher Dresser designs completed in conjunction with silver electroplating company Elkington & Co. Barrel-form ceramic body with white metal collar and swing handle. White metal circular lid with geometric band and finial handle. White metal mounts and lid, whilst not marked Eps Will be silver plated (as was typically used by Linthorpe on these items). Aubergine glazed ceramic body. Impressed Linthorpe Pottery mark to base, design number 913 together with Henry Tooth’s monogram (Ht). The barrel measures 14 cm in height to top of finial.  In 1879 John Harrison (a local businessman) established Linthorpe Pottery in conjunction with Christopher Dresser, one of the most influential designers of the late 19th century. Dresser acted as artistic director at the Pottery until 1982 and continued to submit designs whilst the Pottery remained in production. Dresser recommended Henry Tooth, an artist from Buckinghamshire working at that time on the Isle of Wight, as pottery manager. Henry Tooth, with no prior experience of clay or pottery left Ryde for Linthorpe, spending time at the T.G. Green pottery in Church Gresley, Derbyshire to get a foundation in ceramics. Henry Tooth had brought Richard Patey with him from the Isle of Wight, who managed the pottery after he left in 1882 (to establish to Bretby Pottery in partnership with William Ault). The Linthorpe Pottery was only in existence between 1879 and 1889.