A look at the design, market and legacy of Victorian pottery

Sunday, November 20, 2016

The Elusive Majolica of the Victoria Pottery Company

One of the least familiar names in English majolica is the Victoria Pottery Company. Rarely seen today because of its brief production output, it is among the finest quality majolica made during the heyday of the Victorian period.

Founded in 1882 under the name of Robinson, Leadbetter & Leason, the company produced wares for decoration and everyday use in majolica, white and decorated earthenware. Marked with an impressed triangular VPC mark between two swords, the execution of the decoration was uniformly excellent though occasional pieces showed a naïveté of design not seen in the larger potteries. Some pieces, however, were of great sophistication and could be easily mistaken for the work of George Jones or Wedgwood were they not marked otherwise.

Victoria Pottery wicker plate

The VPC impressed mark found on the reverse.
VPC majolica monkey with basket

Victoria Pottery jardiniere


VPC majolica shell bowl

Victoria Pottery majolica basket

VPC majolica oyster plate

VPC majolica oyster plate

VPC majolica charger

VPC majolica strawberry server

Victoria Pottery majolica jug

Victoria Pottery majolica sardine box

VPC majolica basket

VPC majolica partridge game terrine

VPC majolica mallard game terrine

Victoria Pottery majolica Boar terrine

VPC majolica butter dish

VPC majolica cheese bell

VPC majolica cheese bell

VPC majolica tea set

Robert Leason departed the firm in 1883 and the company was acquired by Thomas Forester who continued production of VCP designs. The company continued in majolica production until 1889. The pottery remained in the production of decorated earthenware first as the Victoria Works and then as the Coronation Pottery under a succession of various owners until the 1960's.

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