Albert Hallam Furniture

This vivid work of of mid-century Modernist design is by Albert Hallam for British Pottery Beswick, a firmly celebrated name in British ceramics design. The stylised and elegant bottle form rested against the draped cushioning is just one of a range of creative and unexpected designs found in the Zebrette series. The semi-matte satin glaze décor is a base of Chiffon cream that is overlaid with the hand-painted Sable black stripes. The interior is an application gloss glaze in Bumblebee yellow, creating a striking contrast. This elegantly striking piece is stylistically contemporary and yet also prominently of the mid-century vivaciousness, the combination of the form with the colour palette and condition makes it a rare find. Condition Excellent. There are no chips or repairs. The most significant wear is movement marks that is on the underside of the base and mild crazing that is commensurable with the age of the piece. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base bears the inscription 'BESWICK, ENGLAND' and the model number '1343', accompanied by the Beswick stamp and the text 'REGISTRATION APPLIED FOR'. Measurements Height: c. " 9.8 / 25 cm. Width: c. 5.7" / 14.6 cm (across widest point). Rim measurements: c. 3.1" / 7.8 cm. Depth: c. 9.6" / 24.5 cm. Base measurements: c. 4.4" / 11.2 cm x c. 5.7" / 14.6 cm. A Bit Of History Beswick Pottery 1892 - 2002 The Beswick firm was founded as 'J W Beswick' in 1892 by James Beswick and his sons in Staffordshire and originally produced tableware and ornaments. Following James Beswick's death in 1921, his grandson John took over and continued to expand the business. In 1934, introduced a new range of jugs, bowls and vases decorated with new matte glazes. Responding to the Modernist design influence of the time, many of these highly distinctive shapes were designed by Mr Symcox. These works were often decorated in 'satin-matte' glazes using soft pastel colours running into each other or arranged in striking modern geometric blocks and lines. Beswick would go on to become known for their ceramic animal figures before being taken over by Royal Doulton in 1969 and finally closing in the early 2000s. Little is known about the life and background of Albert Hallam. However, it is known that Hallam joined Beswick at the age of 14 as apprentice mould maker and in due course became the head of mould making. His model of the Norwegian Fjord Horse is a sought after collectible today. It is also known that Hallam contributed to hundreds of designs in the 1940s alone. Together with other well-known Beswick designers such as Colin Melbourne...