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.
Set of 4 Antique Minton Tiles of Delft Design
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of four antique Minton tiles after designs by Dutch Delft tiles, sourced from an ex British private collection. Dating to circa 1860, these striking 5-inch tiles have been in ...
Clay
Collection of Ten Antique Carpet Balls
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Ten carpet balls crafted in stoneware, decorated and glazed in several different colors and designs including a white cue ball.
Stoneware
Set of Four 18th Century Blue and White Delft Tiles, 1780s
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Set of Four 18th Century Blue and White Delft Tiles Framed in Custom Iron Frame. Wonderful piece to display.
Iron
Set of 13 Antique Iron Skeleton Keys on Keeper’s Ring, circa 1900
Located in Coral Gables, FL
An evocative assembled set of thirteen antique iron and steel warded keys, or skeleton keys, suspended from a large circular keeper’s ring. Stylistically dating from the late 19th to...
Metal
$842 / set
H 3.55 in Dm 3.55 in
Complete Set Of Antique Boule Balls, 8 Pieces, Pétanque, 1880s, France
Located in Greven, DE
Complete Boule ball set of 8 pieces, France, late 19th Century. In the 19th century, the manufacture of boules balls underwent significant development in France as the game of boule...
Metal
$163Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.79 in Dm 0.79 in
Rare Suite of Antique Royal Horse Artillery 1 Cannon, 1873-1901 Coat Buttons
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very nice suite of antique military officer Royal Horse Artillery (1 Cannon - 1873-1901) 18mm ball button with Queen Victoria's Crown brass Mi...
Brass
$410 / set
H 3.15 in Dm 3.15 in
Antique Boule Set, Boule Balls, Pétanque, 1880s, France, Craftsmanship
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful, unique Boule set of three Boule balls, France, late 19th century. In the 19th century, antique metal boules balls experienced a renaissance that took the game of boules to a new level. These ornately crafted balls were not only instruments of the game, but also symbols of elegance and sophistication in leisure activities. Made from high-quality metals such as steel or brass, Boule balls were forged and polished by skilled craftsmen to ensure a smooth and even surface. The antique boules...
Metal
$675 / set
H 16 in W 3 in D 3 in
Set of 6 Antique Wood “Indian Clubs” also known as Exercise and Juggling Pins
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 antique turned wood Indian clubs, also known as exercise pins and juggling pins. They each weigh 1 pound and are all marked. 4 pins are from a company called Spaulding Gold ...
Wood
$460
H 6.5 in W 3 in D 5.5 in
Set of three vintage/antique brass/steel optometrist optometry eyeglasses
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of three vintage/antique brass/steel optometrist optometry eyeglasses. Steel frames come with small plastic frames and measurements circling around the lenses. Marks are presen...
Brass, Steel
$700 / set
H 5 in Dm 3.75 in
Antique Ceramic Egg Shape Native American Hand Decorated Seed Pots, Set of 2
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A pair of ceramic egg shape Native American seed pots. Each pot is ovular and egg-like in shape and features a small hole at the base of each pot. Pots like these were used to store ...
Ceramic, Paint
Set of Art deco Double Ball Dumbbells, 1930s.
Located in Praha, CZ
Made of Metal With aged patina Weight of one dumbbell circa 5kg Beautiful decoration Original condition
Metal
$501 / set
H 3.55 in Dm 3.55 in
Antique Boule Set, Boule Balls, Pétanque, 1880s, France, Craftsmanship
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful, unique Boule set of three Boule balls and one target ball, France, late 19th century. In the 19th century, the manufacture of boule balls underwent significant developmen...
Olive
$170 / set
H 3.55 in Dm 3.55 in
Pair Of Antique Boule Balls Circle, Pétanque, 1880s, France, Craftsmanship
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful, unique Boule ball pair and one target ball, France, late 19th Century. In the 19th century, the manufacture of boules balls underwent significant development in France as...
Olive
Set of Three Leather Pouches /Bags
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This collection of leather marble bags or could be for valuable Jewlery .Could also be for gold or silver.Great look with \ Large pouch - 9 x 5.5 Middle pouch-5 x 8 small pouc...
Leather
Large Set Of Antique Boule Balls, 13 Pieces, Pétanque, 1880s, France
Located in Greven, DE
Large Boule ball set of 13 pieces, France, late 19th Century. Unrestored, original condition with signs of age and use. In the 19th century, the manufacture of boules balls underwen...
Metal, Copper, Steel
Set of Three Miniature Shoe Models in Leather
Located in Leuven , BE
These three shoes were used by a shoemaker as basic show models from which customers could choose. He would then manufacture a customized pair. The three model show age and use relat...
Leather