THIS little book covers the ware produced by Henry Tooth’s art potttery in Woodville, Derbyshire, 1883 to 1996, and is designed “as a companion to collectors when going to antique fairs...’ But you might be held back the lack of a price guide.
Here a brief history of the company, a biography of Henry Tooth, loooking rather like Dickens or Wyatt Earp, but who was born in Newport Pagnell in 1842, who escaped life as an apprentice butcher to become ‘An Artist’, painting theatre sets in Drury Lane, later churches and public buildings. Spotted by Christopher Dresser, he was employed at Linthorpe, where he learnt enough to set up on his own at Woodville.
The book has a main series ware guide, arranged alphabetically with a few photographs, some lesser wares and there is a dating guide and a a glossary of the main and supplemental pottery marks, plus a listing of design registration numbers.
Tooth work lacks bite
Bretby Art Pottery: A Collector’s Guide, by Michael David Ash, published by David Ash Publishing, 165 Station Street, Castle Gresley, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 9JY. Tel: 01283 212390. www.bretbyartpottery.com ISBN 0954061306. £8pb plus £2.50 p&p.
