Joseph Holdcroft - Slip Planter

Large and rare oblong planter in polychrome slip
The body with a cobalt background, decorated with garlands of flowers held by flower buds and heads of women forming sockets
The planter rests on four palmette claw feet
Stamped intaglio on the reverse JH for Joseph HOLDCROFT English work, late 19th century, around 1870
Very good general condition, apart from a small break in enamel on a flower petal and a small chip above one of the feet (see photos)

Joseph Holdcroft worked for eighteen years at the Minton earthenware factory. In 1870 in Longton, he created his own factory, The Sutherland Pottery, specializing in slip shaped pieces. After 1906, the earthenware factory was known as Holdcroft Ltd, it closed its doors in the 1920s. Joseph Holdcroft's production was inspired by his years spent at Minton but also by the influences of the rustic figures of George Jones