Dr Christopher Dresser (1834 - 1904) for William Ault

glazed earthenware, green and brown

A large and well coloured pair of vases. There is some typical fire crazing to the glaze overall. There is some pooling of the glaze at the foot and this has been reduced in order to create a flat surface on which the piece can stand. On one of the vases there is a small circular chip in this area. The colours are rather richer than they appear in the catalogue illustrations and one is of slightly darker tone than the other. One vase has some white painting to the glaze in places. Overall, good example, of Dresser designs which would make an impessive display.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

It is thought that Dresser supplied designs to the Ault pottery from 1891. These early designs are unidentified. In 1893, however, Dresser entered into a three-year contract with Ault whereby he would supply designs to them exclusively. It was agreed that Dresser's facsimile signature would be marked on each piece produced. Interestingly, Ault's own mark was often omitted, perhaps to differentiate these pieces from the pottery's normal production. Under the terms of the contract, Dresser had a supervisory role over production, visiting the pottery from time to time to ensure the quality of the finished pieces. This is demonstrated in the high quality of the Dresser-designed vases and pots, among the finest, in terms of potting, modelling and glazing, that Ault ever produced. The pottery's numbering system for Dresser's designs during this period ran from 216 to 323. Ault continued to produce the Dresser shapes after the end of the contract, but probably without using the Dresser stamp. 

Vases of this form are illustrated in Widar Halen, Christopher Dresser, London, 1990, pl. 108; and Harry Lyons, Christopher Dresser, The People's Designer 1834 - 1904, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2005, pl. 69.