Ceramic shell figural clock with cherubs and seahorses, h. 22cm, Hannah Barlow and George Tinton, Doulton Lambeth, circa 1879.
In Victorian times, a woman’s place was confined to the household, and marriage was her only means of social recognition. Formal education for women was not common, and earning money was not considered proper for a lady of good breeding.
In the early Victorian period, there were very few professions that were considered suitable for women of noble birth. Art was one of the few areas where women’s participation was acceptable. Decorating art ceramics, in particular, became a respectable job for a lady who wanted to gain independence.
Pair of jugs, height 31.5 cm, Hannah Barlow, Doulton Lambeth, circa 1890.
In 1837, the National School of Design was founded in London for men, and in 1842 for women. In 1859, government support for the Ladies’ School of Design was withdrawn, but it continued to operate independently. The school catered for needy noble ladies aged 13 to 30. By the 1850s, art schools for both men and women were opening in many parts of Britain.
Silver mounted ostrich and kangaroo jug, 17cm high, Hannah Barlow, Doulton Lambeth, circa 1878.
In the late 1860s, the headmaster of the Lambeth School of Art persuaded Henry Dalton to provide free clay and kilns for his female students. Soon, graduates of the school were working at the Doulton factory in Lambeth. One of the first was Hannah Barlow, who joined in 1871 and worked there until her death in 1913. “Sir Henry was always so inspiring. I couldn’t help enjoying my work. In all my years at Lambeth I never felt that I was working for money. That was one of the great advantages of my work there.” Hannah’s sister Florence soon joined the studio.
Pair of large vases, height 67 cm, Hannah Barlow, Doulton Lambeth, late 19th century.Illustration by Doulton Artists from Queen Magazine.Pair of vases by Margaret Thompson, h 20.5cm, Doulton Lambeth, circa 1900.Vase by Margaret Thompson, h 35.5cm, Doulton Lambeth, circa 1900.Vase with floral decoration, Florence Roberts, height 44 cm, Royal Doulton.Silver mounted vase by Nellie Garbett, h. 15.5cm, Doulton Lambeth, circa 1913.Vase with botanical decoration, Florence Roberts, h. 22.5 cm, Doulton Lambeth, circa 1905Vase by Nellie Garbett, h. 20.5 cm, Doulton Lambeth, circa 1900.A silver mounted biscuit tin by Margaret M. Armstrong, 19.5cm high, Doulton Lambeth.Vase by Eliza Simmans, height 34 cm, Doulton Lambeth.Decorative plate by Florence E. Lewis, diameter 59 cm, Doulton Lambeth, 1880.Decorative plate by Isabel Lewis, diameter 32.5cm, Doulton Lambeth.Decorative plate by Lilly Watt, diameter 31.5 cm, Doulton Lambeth.Vase by Emily Partington, h. 25 cm, Doulton Lambeth, 1884.Pair of vases by Loisa Edwards, height 34 cm, Doulton Lambeth, 1883.Vase by Fanny Allen, height 49 cm, Doulton Lambeth, 1879Onion shaped vase by Elizabeth A. Sayers, h. 18.5 cm, Doulton Lambeth, 1878.Vase by Emma Miller, height 24 cm, Doulton Lambeth, 1875 1876.Women painting Lambeth pottery at Doulton’s in London.An illustrated book given to Henry Doulton by women artists. The opening shows the names of the artists and the monograms they used to sign their works.Hannah and Florence Barlow at work in Doulton Lambeth studios.Vase with Cherub Handles, Florence Barlow, h. 19.5 cm, Doulton Lambeth, 1878.Vase by Florence Barlow, height 42 cm, Victorian Women Ceramic Artists, Doulton Lambeth.Pair of vases by Florence Barlow, height 21cm, Victorian Women Ceramic Artists, Doulton Lambeth.Pair of vases by Hannah and Florence Barlow, height 27cm, Victorian Women Ceramic Artists.
