A rare Compton Stoneware garden bird bath
Early 20th century, the moulded octagonal shallow bowl top above a tapering column and lobed knopped base, set on an octagonal plinth, 97cm high x 47cm wide.

Footnote: A Compton stoneware garden sundial with the same design of column and base as the present lot was sold at Summer's Place Billingshurst rooms, 20 May 2014.

Founded by Mary Watts, wife of the painter George Frederick Watts, in 1895, The Compton Potters Art Guild was located in the village of Compton, near Godalming, Surrey. The Watts were strong advocates of the Home Arts and Industries Association, a movement launched by Earl Brownlow in 1885 to revive the art of handicraft among the working classes. The Pottery Art Guild developed quickly, winning medals at the Royal Botanical Society and the Home Arts highest accolade, the gold cross. Their garden ornaments were sold by Liberty's and they received architectural commissions from Edwin Lutyens, Clough William-Ellis and Goodhart Rendel.

Condition Report
Surface lichen and weathering overall.  The top has two chips to the lower rim and a hairline to the underside.  Also on the top there is a small hole near the outer edge, possibly an air bubble during manuracture, and there is a very small area of fritting near the outer edge.  The capital appears good.  The stem has a few small flat chips at the top.  The base and foot have some small surface chips.  Please refer to images.

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.