In the later part of the 19th century, an idiosyncratic potter named Robert Wallace Martin ran a ceramics shop with his brothers, Walter, Edwin, and Charles. Known, aptly, as the Martin Brothers, the quartet—who had grown up extremely poor—became successful and prolific for many years, turning out a wide variety of vases, sculptures, jugs, and more. But the Martin Brothers were known especially for their birds. Nicknamed “Wally Birds” after Robert Wallace, who conceived them, the beaked creations are so expressive, it’s hard to ignore—or forget—them.
~Catherine Zuckerman
Wally Birds and other Martin Brothers pottery for Art Thursday. (Prior to today, I was unaware that sometimes one's spoons need warming.)
Bird, 1888
R. W. Martin and Brothers
Spoon warmer, 1875
R. W. Martin and Brothers
Jar with four birds, 1892
R. W. Martin and Brothers
Tall Bird, 1896
R. W. Martin and Brothers
Small vase with birds, 1905
R. W. Martin and Brothers
"Wally Birds"...."hard to ignore--or forget--them." I would certainly agree with that! I'm not sure I'd like to look at one everyday, but the small vase tones them down a bit and is a pretty piece.
ReplyDeleteNice that you could include a photo of three of the Martin brothers at work, Tabatha.
I, too, had not heard of a spoon warmer, so naturally I had to look it up. I found this explanation by antiques appraiser Soodie Beasley:
"Spoon warmers were created in the days before central heating when breakfast consisted of hot porridge and the dinners needed to remain warm. Ceilings were high and their rooms drafty. Grasping a warm spoon must have seemed comforting. So little is known about spoon warmers today and not many people care, but it was an essential of its time."
So interesting! Thank you!
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