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
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
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
$876
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
Pair of Late 19th Century Brass Candlesticks
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A pretty pair of brass candlesticks. Nice patina.
Brass
19th Century European Brass Candlestick
Located in Greven, DE
Turned Brass Candlestick with Drip Tray Origin: Probably Central Europe Material: Brass, turned and assembled Date: Early 19th century (c. 1800–1820) Description: A single-light ca...
Brass
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
$950
H 6.75 in W 5.5 in D 5.5 in
Austrian Art Nouveau Bronze Lily Candlesticks, Late 19th Century Pair
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Austrian Art Nouveau / Secessionist bronze candlesticks with the relief of whiplash stems emerging from the bobeches upright cradling a candle stick with two lilies (marked: ...
Ash
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
Late 19th Century Candlestick
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Large candlestick from the late 19th century. Made of wood and carved, as well as polychrome painted. Ornamentally and florally carved column on a ...
Hardwood
$1,950 / set
H 10 in W 5.75 in D 5.75 in
Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Dolphin Candlesticks, Finely Chased
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 19th century French gilt bronze candlesticks, finely chased throughout. Each features an ornate base, foliate stems incorporating dolphin motifs, and flower-form candle cups.
Bronze
19th Century Painted Walnut Candlestick
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Antique walnut candelabra brown painted, period 1800s, restored and wax polished Measures cm: Height 90, diameter 25.
Walnut
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