Pottery is one of the oldest decorative art forms, and Minton is one of its historical masters. For more than 250 years, the English company was a premier producer of porcelain and ceramic wares. Its factory was known for detailed and brightly colored Victorian tableware, including dinner plates and serving pieces.
Thomas Minton founded the Minton factory in 1793 in Stoke-upon-Trent, England. It initially made earthenware but introduced bone china in 1798. When Minton died in 1836, the company passed to his son, Herbert Minton. The younger Minton was a savvy businessman with an eye for design. He introduced glossy majolica earthenware to the factory’s repertoire and hired skilled artists and designers like Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin and Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, boosting the company’s reputation.
In 1851, Minton debuted its majolica at the Great Exhibition in London. It became a royal family favorite and was even used to tile the Royal Dairy at Windsor Home Park. Minton majolica was also displayed on the monumental Saint George and the dragon fountain at the 1862 London International Exhibition.
Colin Minton Campbell, a nephew of Herbert Minton, took over the family business in 1858. He led the company to the head of the 1870s English art pottery movement. In the 1890s, French porcelain artist Marc-Louis Solon helped modernize Minton with his Art Nouveau designs.
Minton ceased operating as an independent company when it merged with Royal Doulton Tableware Ltd. in 1968. It was the end of an era, but not the end of widespread appreciation for Minton ceramics.
In 1982, the ”English Majolica” exhibition at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum featured 75 Minton pieces. When the Metropolitan Museum of Art reopened its British Galleries in 2020, it included a display of three colorful Minton majolica bird sculptures. Minton pottery was also on display from September 2021 to January 2022, along with other English pottery, at the Bard Graduate Center’s ”Majolica Mania” exhibition.
On 1stDibs, find exquisite Minton serveware, decorative objects, wall decorations and more.
A Late 19th Century Minton Ceramic Dolphin Candlestick
By Minton
Located in London, GB
A late nineteenth century Minton pottery candlestick, modelled in the form of a recumbent dolphin, supported on a circular base and painted in polychrome glaze. Stamped to the base.
Ceramic, Pottery
Tall Late 19th Century Brass Repousse Church Pricket, Candlestick
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Originally used in a French chapel, this exquisite brass repousse pricket or candlestick from the late nineteenth century stands at over two and a half f...
Brass
$888 / set
H 10.24 in Dm 4.73 in
Late 19th Century Napoleon III Ormolu Candlesticks Griotte Marble Bowls
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A pair of antique French candlesticks, made of gilded bronze. At the center a bowl made of red "Griotte" marble. Under the marble bowl foliage around the stem. Made in France, at the...
Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Venetian Multicolored Glass Candlesticks, Late 19th Century
Located in valatie, NY
A pair of blue and white Venetian hand blown glass candlesticks with spiral columns, late 19th century. Trent Antiques has been a respec...
Blown Glass
Late 19th Century English Brass Candlestick
Located in Middleburg, VA
A charming single brass candlestick from England, dating to the Victorian era, circa 1870. Beautifully executed in brass, the candlestick rises with a sculptural baluster stem enrich...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Late 19th Century Brass Candlesticks
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A pretty pair of brass candlesticks. Nice patina.
Brass
Late 19th Century Brass Gothic Style Candlesticks
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful pair of antique brass candlesticks. Gothic style. The candlesticks are in good condition. Beautiful color and shine. Sturdy and solid. Estimated age and origin: France, ...
Brass
Antique French Napoleon III Spelter Candlestick, late 19th Century
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique French Napoleon III period candlestick made of bronzed spelter, late 19th Century. This antique candleholder features a design draped with chains and is supported by a three-...
Spelter
$763 / set
H 10.63 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in
Late 19th Century Candlesticks - Gilt Bronze - Regency Style
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A pair of refined French Régence style candlesticks. Made of bronze with a gilded patina. Made in France, 1880-1890 Dimensions: 27 (h) x 13.5 x 13.5 cm Free shipping worldwide
Bronze
French Brass Church Altar Candlestick, Late 19th Century
Located in Worcester Park, GB
A tall and beautifully detailed French brass altar candlestick from the late 19th century, crafted during the Victorian era (known in France as the Belle Époque). This classic eccle...
Brass
$587 / set
H 15.36 in W 10.24 in D 7.09 in
Late 19th Century Renaissance Style Brass Candelabras Dolphins
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A nice pair of antique candelabras, made of brass. The candelabras have ornate ornaments and dolphins at the base. They date from about 1890. The bottom is covered with red felt. Bot...
Brass
$887
H 4.34 in Dm 3.94 in
French Late 19th Century Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Candlestick with Dolphins
Located in Barntrup, DE
An adorable French gilt bronze candlestick on a circular base with leaves decorations. The candle cup is held by three finely detailed dolphins. Dimensions: diameter of the base 10 ...
Bronze
19th Century French Candlestick
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century French candlestick is a stunning example of French craftsmanship, made of brass with intricate detailing. The candlestick features a textured body resembling scales...
Brass
Pair Minton Majolica Putti Candlesticks
By Minton
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Pair of Minton Majolica candlesticks which feature putti draping a leafy garland around a central column. Colouration: cobalt blue, cream, green, are predominant. The piece bears mak...
Majolica