Eagle Vase

In 1861, Thomas Chappell Brown-Westhead (1837–1882) and William Moore (1815–1866) formed a partnership to operate the Cauldon Works. This large porcelain and pottery factory was located in Hanley, one of the six Staffordshire towns and several villages making up the Potteries, England’s principal ceramic manufacturing district. From about 1865, T. C. Brown-Westhead, Moore & Co. produced majolica of excellent quality that met with great acclaim at the many international exhibitions in which the firm exhibited. Although majolica was not the primary focus of its large and diverse production, Brown-Westhead, Moore & Co. engaged many freelance modelers, sculptors, and other artists to realize original wares, often noteworthy for their inventive design.

This dynamic rendering of an eagle in pursuit of its prey exudes vigor and intensity— characteristics often associated with the work of British sculptor and modeler Mark Valsler Marshall. A freelance artist for T. C. Brown-Westhead, Moore & Co., Marshall notably modeled a pair of life-size majolica tigers for the firm, which it displayed at the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1878, as well as other sculptural majolica the company presented in 1889 at the subsequent international exhibition in Paris. His models often bear his name or initials as part of the mold, as seen in this example. Crediting ceramic designers was relatively new at the time and demonstrates critical acknowledgment by Brown-Westhead, Moore of the artist’s vital role in industry—and of the sales potential that such a “signature” might foster in a competitive market.

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Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.

Heritage Auction Galleries, Dallas, Texas, "Signature Decorative Arts & Design Auction," 26 May 2010, lot 69020; purchased by Deborah and Philip English, Baltimore, 2010; given to the Walters Art Museum, 2024.