Torquay: Devon Motto Ware & English Pottery
Torquay pottery refers to the distinctive earthenware produced by multiple potteries in and around Torquay, Devon, England, from the 1870s through the 1960s. Best known for "motto ware" pieces inscribed with dialect sayings and proverbs, Torquay pottery also includes Art Nouveau and Arts & Crafts designs. The warm terracotta body, folk-art style decoration, and charming inscriptions have built a loyal international collector following.
History & Major Potteries
The Torquay pottery industry began when the Watcombe Pottery Company opened in 1869, exploiting local red terra cotta clay. Key potteries include:
- Watcombe Pottery (1869-1962): Classical terracotta, later motto ware
- Aller Vale Pottery (1881-1924): Pioneer of motto ware, scroll and scandy patterns
- Longpark Pottery (1883-1957): Prolific motto ware producer, cockerel designs
- Hele Cross Pottery (1879-1940): Smaller output, now quite scarce
- Royal Watcombe/Watcombe & Aller Vale (merged 1901): Combined operations
Identification & Marks
Each pottery used distinctive marks stamped or incised on the base. Aller Vale pieces carry an incised or printed "Aller Vale" mark, sometimes with pattern codes. Longpark used an impressed "LONGPARK TORQUAY" stamp. Watcombe marks evolved from an impressed "WATCOMBE TORQUAY" to various printed marks. Pattern names like "Scandy," "Scroll," "Cottage," and "Cockerel" help identify the pottery and date.
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard motto ware mug or cup | 1900s-1940s | $15 - $50 |
| Motto ware teapot | 1900s-1930s | $40 - $150 |
| Aller Vale scandy pattern jug | 1890s-1910s | $50 - $175 |
| Large motto ware puzzle jug | 1900s-1920s | $75 - $250 |
| Art Nouveau Watcombe vase | 1900s-1910s | $60 - $200 |
| Early Watcombe terracotta figure | 1870s-1890s | $100 - $400 |
| Longpark cockerel pattern piece | 1910s-1930s | $30 - $100 |
| Complete motto ware tea set | 1910s-1930s | $150 - $500 |
| Hele Cross pottery piece | 1890s-1920s | $60 - $250 |
Condition Factors
- Crazing: Common on motto ware glazes; light crazing is accepted, heavy staining in crazing is not
- Chips and flakes: Rim chips significantly reduce value on utilitarian pieces
- Motto legibility: Clear, complete inscriptions are essential; worn or illegible text devalues pieces
- Color vibrancy: Strong, unfaded decoration increases desirability
- Marks: Clear pottery marks add value and aid identification
Collecting Tips
- Motto ware is the most popular collecting category, with hundreds of different inscriptions to find
- Early Aller Vale pieces with the "scandy" or "scroll" patterns are among the most desirable
- Unusual forms (puzzle jugs, ring vases, hat pin holders) bring premiums over standard mugs
- Hele Cross pottery is the scarcest of the Torquay potteries and commands higher prices
- The Torquay Pottery Collectors Society publishes a journal and pattern guide
- Look for crossover appeal in motto inscriptions referencing specific towns or activities