LOW-RELIEF BIRDS & ANIMALS

Sprig-moulded 'two-dimensional' animals and birds were made by several potters at different stages of Premier Pottery's history. For a discussion refer to Gregory Hill's article in the 'Gumnuts and Glazes' catalogue.

For three-dimensional figures in the Early Series click here.
Three-dimensional figures also appear on some one-off studio pieces made by potters at Premier; click here.


Very early small koalas; un-numbered

Small koalas nestling at the base of jug handles. Found only on very early pieces, 1933-34, pre-dating Early Series numbering. Attributed to Margaret Kerr.
Tyabb Packing House, Tyabb, Vic.
Graham Lancaster Auctions
Height; 23 cm
Leonard Joel
Height; 17 cm. Shape subsequently numbered 192 in Early Series.
'Alphabet'-numbered pieces

Various low-relief figures applied to the side of vases. To date koalas, kookaburras and finches are recorded. These figures are the work of John Castle-Harris who spent time at Premier in 1935.

Few examples are known and the numbering is only partly understood. The prefix letter seems to denote the shape, the numeral  the style of decoration (eg '4' for finches, '5' for kookaburras), or perhaps they are individually numbered pieces - not many were made. More examples are needed. If you have one we'd love to hear from you - contact us.  

'A'; Bulbous jardiniere with plain lip
Height; 17.5 cm
Numbered A 2.  Koalas.
Collection;
Shepparton Art Gallery 1977.09
Numbered C 4.  Finches

'C'; Jardiniere with flared lip, ribbed at base
Shape like Early Series 30  and Later Series 500
Height; 21 - 21.5 cm.
Numbered H 4. Finches

Numbered C 5.  Kookaburras
'H'; Baluster-shaped vase, wide throat
Shape like Early Series 326/7.
Height 19 cm.
'L'; Bulbous vase, small flaring lip
Height; 17 cm.
Hurnall's Antiques & Decorative Arts
Numbered L5.  Kookaburra.
Post-war figures

Animal decoration was characteristically a feature of 1930s Remued but there were post-war examples too. They are completely different, and it might be said, not up to the artistic standards of earlier pieces. They are rare, indeed it is not known if they ever went into commercial production. These few recorded examples are from sources associated with the principal potters at Premier.
Collection; Stuart Lawson
Un-numbered.
Shape like Later Series 15-10
Height 24 cm.
Catherine Webb research collection
Later Series 15-8-M

Catherine Webb research collection
Later Series 175
See catalogue page for enlargements
 
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Nouveau Deco, Woollahra NSW
Not from Premier but the same finches.
Signed Castle Harris
 
'F'; Large plump baluster-shaped vase, small flaring lip
Height 24 cm.
Numbered F 2.  Koalas.
Riding a fish!


Un-numbered, base incised Remued
Height; 11 cm

Little is known about these decorated goblets, but the glazes and unconfirmed anecdotal evidence suggest that they are post-war. This is the only example recorded. The origin of the figure - a fisherman (or fisher-boy?) is unknown although it has been suggested it derives from a children's book illustration.


Collection; John Daniels