Colourful Derbyshire pottery collection set to go under the hammer

Hansons staff member Emma Errington with an example of Bretby Pottery.

Some 350 examples covering the Derbyshire firm Bretby’s early history through to the inter-war years - chosen and cherished by the late Carolyne Stanforth - are set to be sold by Hansons Auctioneers.

They include objects from the 1880s to Edwardian periods, tromp l’oeil wares which cleverly imitate domestic items such as biscuits on a tray, scissors, nuts and even cigarettes; brightly coloured majolica glaze wares from the 1890s such as comports, vases and jardinieres and stylish arts and crafts/Art Nouveau objects from the early 20th century.

Adrian Rathbone, head of fine and decorative arts at Hansons, said: “It’s a magnificent collection and an affordable way for people to begin collecting Bretby. Estimates will range from under £100 up to £1,000.”

Seller Stephen Milner, from London, said: “My late wife Carolyne was the reason why we had such a substantial collection. She was brought up on the North Yorkshire Moors, her parents were interested in antiques and regularly visited antiques fairs. It was here Carolyne developed her love

for antiques.

“Her father was interested in local pottery and when Carolyne went to Newcastle University in the mid-70s she started to buy Bretby. At the time, Linthorpe pottery was considered more collectible and commanded much higher prices.

“Bretby offered similar pottery at more affordable prices and, given that she was a student with limited finances, it meant she could pick up the odd piece of Bretby. And so, through just a few pieces, it all began.

“The collection really started to develop when we came back from East Africa and set up home together in 1986. We started to go to major antique fairs, got to know specialist dealers and sourced better and larger pieces.”

Bretby Art Pottery was a studio founded in 1882 by Henry Tooth and William Ault in Woodville, Derbyshire. Production began in 1883.

The Bretby pottery collection will be sold on April 7 in an auction at Bishton

Hall, Wolseley Bridge, Staffordshire. To find out more or arrange a free valuation, email [email protected].