Martin Brothers: England's Eccentric Salt-Glazed Stoneware Masters
The Martin Brothers (Robert Wallace, Charles, Walter, and Edwin Bruce Martin) operated a studio pottery in Fulham and later Southall, London, from 1873 to 1914, producing some of the most distinctive and imaginative stoneware ever created. Their work is characterized by hand-incised decoration, grotesque and humorous face jugs, extraordinary bird tobacco jars (known as "Wally Birds"), and an inventive range of natural forms. Martin Brothers pottery represents the most individualistic expression of the English Arts and Crafts ceramic tradition and has achieved extraordinary prices at auction.
Identification and Marks
Martin Brothers pottery is consistently marked and well-documented:
- Incised mark: "R W Martin & Brothers, London & Southall" or variations, always hand-incised (not stamped)
- Date: Most pieces are dated with month and year incised on the base
- Address evolution: "Fulham" (1873-1877), "Pomona House, Southall" (early), then "London & Southall"
- Individual work: Robert Wallace Martin modelled the figures and bird jars; Walter developed glazes; Edwin Bruce painted and incised decoration; Charles managed the business
- Body: Salt-glazed stoneware with a characteristic gray-brown body
Notable Productions and Types
- Wally Bird tobacco jars: Two-piece jars with removable heads in the form of grotesque, human-like birds; the most famous and valuable Martin Brothers form
- Face jugs and vessels: Jugs, mugs, and jars with modelled grotesque or humorous faces
- Aquatic and natural forms: Vessels decorated with incised and modelled fish, eels, lizards, and marine life
- Gourd vases: Organic forms inspired by natural shapes with carved and incised decoration
- Miniatures: Small-scale pieces, often as eccentric as larger works
- Tiles and plaques: Architectural tiles and decorative panels
Auction Price Ranges
| Category | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Wally Bird tobacco jars (large, fine) | $50,000 - $500,000+ |
| Wally Bird tobacco jars (small/simple) | $10,000 - $50,000 |
| Face jugs and grotesque vessels | $5,000 - $50,000 |
| Aquatic-decorated vases (large) | $3,000 - $20,000 |
| Incised and decorated vases | $1,000 - $10,000 |
| Miniature pieces | $500 - $5,000 |
| Simple or plain vessels | $300 - $2,000 |
Condition Factors
Martin Brothers stoneware is salt-glazed and extremely durable. Chips to rims and bases reduce value but are less catastrophic than on porcelain. For Wally Birds, the head must be original to the base; married tops and bottoms (from different jars) are significantly less valuable. Check the fit between head and body carefully. The incised decoration should be crisp and clear. Hairlines through the body are uncommon but serious when present. The salt-glaze surface should be intact with its characteristic "orange peel" texture. Check for restorations under UV light, particularly on bird heads and faces.
Collecting Tips
Martin Brothers pottery has experienced extraordinary price appreciation, with major Wally Birds achieving world-record prices for British studio pottery. The market is dominated by a relatively small number of dedicated collectors willing to pay exceptional prices for exceptional pieces. The Pitzhanger Manor Gallery in Ealing holds the most important public collection. Authentication is generally straightforward due to the distinctive incised marks and dates, but the quality and desirability of individual pieces varies enormously. Wally Birds with particularly expressive, human-like faces and complex plumage command the highest prices. Aquatic-themed pieces have strong appeal. Even simple Martin Brothers vessels with good form and characteristic salt-glaze bring solid prices. The marked date on each piece allows for tracking the artistic development of the pottery over its 40-year history. Christie's, Sotheby's, and Woolley & Wallis are the primary auction venues for significant pieces.