Victorian majolica

For mainstream pottery with an opaque white glaze painted with coloured enamels, see Tin-glazed pottery or Maiolica for Italian Renaissance wares.

Victorian majolica includes two types of earthenware made in 19th century between 1848 and 1900

1. The mass-produced earthenware decorated with coloured lead glazes, made in Britain, Europe and the USA; typically hard-wearing, with moulded surfaces, vibrant translucent glazes, in classical or naturalistic styles often with an element of High Victorian whimsy.

2. The very rare tin-glazed earthenware made in Britain only, primarily by Mintons from 1848 to circa 1880, typically flat surfaces, opaque white glaze with brush painted decoration somewhat in the style of Italian Renaissance maiolica.

Victorian majolica was originated by Mintons, who exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851. The Exhibition Catalogue does not use the name 'Palissy ware' that was used in the Minton factory, but does use the name 'Majolica':

1. Palissy ware, (coloured lead glazes). The debt to the eccentric 16th century potter Bernard Palissy is obvious from its naturalistic plant and animal motifs. Exhibition Catalogue entry "Earthenware… Flowerpots, etc." 60. A variety of… flowerpots and stands, and garden seats."

2. Majolica, anglicizing the Italian maiolica, (tin-glazed coloured with enamels). Exhibition Catalogue entry "Tiles, Terra Cotta, and Vases, etc, in imitation of Majolica Ware" 74. Variety of flowerpots and stands, coloured in the majolica style, etc."

The Illustrated London News reported with approval of Minton's two newest products at the Paris Exposition Universelle (1855) :

The collection of Palissy and Majolica ware, however, is that which appears to have created the greatest sensation among Parisian connoisseurs. The reader will remember that the main difference in these wares is that whereas the Palissy ware is coloured by a transparent glaze, Majolica ware contains the colour (opaque) in the material. The care and taste with which these manufactures have been brought by the Messrs. Minton to their present state of perfection, have been amply rewarded. Within a few days of the opening of the Exhibition all the specimens exhibited had been sold.

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