A Family Portrait

Coming to September’s British Ceramics & Glass Auction, is a collection of Royal Worcester ceramics, including examples by the famous Stinton family of artists. The legacy of Stinton sons and daughters who painted for the Worcester factories lasted a total of one hundred and fifty eight years, spanning four generations, beginning with Henry Stinton in the early nineteenth century. 

The most prestigious artists of the Stinton dynasty, their names carrying weight in the art market to this day, are John Stinton Senior (1829-1895), John Stinton Junior (1854-1956), James Stinton (1870-1951) and Harry Stinton (1883-1968). 

Grassy glens of Highland cattle, and richly coloured game birds, make up the family’s signature oeuvre. 

The romantic, atmospheric blend of the scenery makes each hand painted piece dynamic; this blend is the product of innovations in the medium made by John Stinton Senior, who began to mix his paints with clove oil to prevent them drying too fast while he painted the ceramics. This family technique was passed down the generations, establishing their stylistic stamp over decades. 

A ROYAL WORCESTER OVOID VASE BY JOHN STINTON

Estimate: £100-150

The lush, rolling hills and grazing Highland cows depicted on this ovoid vase make a picturesque scene of the Romantic wilderness. The painterly technique used for the ginger fur and their bright, shining eyes brings the cows to life. 

A SMALL ROYAL WORCESTER GOURD SHAPED VASE BY JAMES STINTON

Estimate: £80-120

 The vivid colours of this pheasant are incredibly eye-catching, the intricate detail of the feathers catching focus. The second bird blends into the background, an illusion of perspective deployed in the scene which brings depth and sophistication. 

A ROYAL WORCESTER VASE BY HARRY STINTON

Estimate: £80-100

Harry Stinton is said to be the last and best of the Stinton legacy, having refined his family’s art and producing some of the finest works of the name. 

This vase depicts two Highland cows grazing against a dreamy blue sky, the blend of the paints pulling the eye to areas of vivid colour in the cow’s pelt. It represents mastery of the art, the clouds making the scene feel almost real.