Antique Doulton Lambeth Florence Barlow Vase, C. 1882

This is a very rare Doulton Lambeth stoneware vase featuring Pâte-sur-pâte style, blue panels on a light brown body, beautifully hand-painted images of birds and flowers; the peacock feather is skillfully drawn. The piece created by the renowned artist Florence Barlow. The vase is signed with her distinctive monogram and marked with the company's brand. Royal Doulton's first pottery was established by John Doulton in the Lambeth area of London in 1815. His son, Henry Doulton, took over the running of the Lambeth pottery and was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1887 for his contributions to the ceramic industry. From the early 1870s, Sir Henry engaged talented artists to decorate a wide range of art pottery, including vases and figurines. Leading artists at the Lambeth Studio included George Tinworth, George Tabor, Frank Butler, and the Barlow sisters, Hannah and Florence. Florence Barlow is one of Royal Doulton's most popular and collectible artists. She and her sister Hannah were two of nine children born to Benjamin Iram Barlow (1813-1866), a bank manager, and his wife Hannah (1816-1882) in Hadham, Hertfordshire, England. In 1871, Hannah Barlow, along with several other students, including their brother Arthur, was employed by Doulton Lambeth Pottery to decorate salt-glazed stoneware. Florence joined Doulton in 1873 and remained there for 36 years, until 1909. Initially, Florence’s designs were very much in the style of her sister's. However, when Doulton introduced Pâte-sur-pâte wares in 1878, Florence mastered this technique. It was agreed between the sisters that Florence would specialize in birds, while Hannah would focus on depicting the rest of the animal kingdom. Florence Barlow's fine work, particularly featuring her favorite subjects-birds and flowers-on decorative vases produced in the late 1890s, can sell for around £800 to £1,500, depending on the condition. Florence marked all her pieces with a distinctive monogram that differs from her sister's. Florence Barlow exhibited her work at various exhibitions, societies, and galleries. She showcased her talent at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition; in 1884 and 1885, she exhibited watercolors at the Royal Academy; and in 1883 and 1889, she displayed her work at the Royal Society of British Artists. In 1904, she participated in the Louisiana Purchase Exhibition, receiving well-deserved accolades for her work. Collectors of Doulton and other ceramics increasingly appreciate the superb detail in Florence's bird studies, and prices are on the rise. Her pieces are not as frequently seen as Hannah's, but they consistently perform well at both local and national auctions. Interest in Florence Barlow's work has grown considerably, making her pieces rarer and a sound financial investment.

Dimensions: Height: 28.8 cm, top diameter: 9.9 cm, bottom diameter: 9.8 cm, diameter at the widest part: 14.6 cm, weight: 1,422 grams.

Condition: The porcelain is chipped in several places; one of the flower panels shows some peeled paint. Some small beads on the top decoration are missing. Minor paint