William Moorcroft (1872–1945), the founder of the celebrated British art-pottery company that shares his last name, was both an aesthete and a technical innovator. Along with William de Morgan, he is regarded as one of the greatest ceramists of the Arts and Crafts movement, yet Moorcroft’s singular style is heavily inflected with the lush naturalism of the Art Nouveau school of art and design.
The son of a decorative pottery painter, Moorcroft was born in Staffordshire, the center of English ceramics-making, studied at the Wedgwood Institute and in 1897 joined the local pottery manufacturer James Macintyre & Co. as a designer. After a year, he was put in charge of the company’s art-pottery studio, and there he developed a new style of wares named “Florian,” made with a technique called tube-lining, or slip-trailing. In this method, decorative motifs are outlined with a thin, raised border produced by piping a thread of clay onto the body of a vessel — much like squeezing toothpaste from a tube.
Moorcroft, who took the unusual step of signing his ceramics, would go on to win numerous international awards. In 1913, backed by the London department store Liberty & Co., he left Macintyre to open his own workshop. Queen Mary, wife of King George V, gave Moorcroft her Royal Warrant in 1928. Shortly before he died in 1945, his son, Walter Moorcroft (1917–2002), took over as head of the firm. The pottery company is still in business in Staffordshire, with a design department headed by Rachel Bishop.
William Moorcroft’s ceramics are noted for their colorful, ebullient (and often slightly surreal) decorations depicting stylized natural forms — flowers, toadstools, fruit (pomegranate is a favorite among collectors), insects and landscapes. Most Moorcroft wares are finished with a glossy overglaze. Blue-and-white and pastel shades were generally used as underglazes on early Moorcroft pieces, and he later developed a rich, ruddy background glaze he called “flambé.”
Moorcroft art pottery has a rich, warm and inviting look — a comforting aesthetic that explains their enduring appeal.
Find antique and vintage William Moorcroft pottery, vases, serveware and more on 1stDibs.
Circa 1930s "Pomegranate" Pattern Low Vase by Moorcroft, England
By William Moorcroft
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1930s low vase by Moorcroft, "Pomegranate" pattern, England. The acclaimed Pomegranate pattern by William Moorcroft, festooned with pomegranates, berries & leaves around th...
Ceramic
Circa 1930 "Pomegranate" Design Large Vase by Moorcroft, England
By William Moorcroft
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1930 large vase "Pomegranate" design by Moorcroft, England. Designed by William Moorcroft, the body festooned with pomegranates & berries among leaves, all in fall colors again...
Ceramic
William Moorcroft Burslem Vintage Pomegranate Pattern, Stamped and Signed Vase
By William Moorcroft
Located in Sherborne, GB
This sweet sized vintage vase features the pomegranate design on a dark cobalt blue background. It was designed by William Moorcroft and produced at Burslem. The base is reassuringly...
Pottery
Antique William Moorcroft Art Pottery Tulip Patterned Vase with Lustre Glaze
By William Moorcroft
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This art pottery vase was done by the Moorcroft Pottery company of England in circa 1920 with a pastel green ground with a rare tulip pattern and a light lustre over glaze. This vase...
Pottery
Pre-1928 William Moorcroft Vase in the "Pomegranate" Pattern
By William Moorcroft
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Pre-1928 William Moorcroft Vase in the "Pomegranate" pattern, England. Stunningly graceful, this monumental vase has a large swag of pomegranates, berries & leaves surrounding the up...
Ceramic
William Moorcroft Macintyre Art Nouveau Rare Blue Dahlia Pattern Goblet
By William Moorcroft
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Art Nouveau James MacIntyre & Co. Florian Ware goblet decorated with tube lined decoration in a rare ‘Dahlia’ variant design by William Moorcroft and dating from 1903. William Moorcr...
Pottery
William Moorcoft for James MacIntyre Fish Pattern Silver Mounted Biscuit Jar
By William Moorcroft
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish and finely made James Macintyre & Co ceramic biscuit jar mounted with a silver-plated handle and decorated with fish by renowned English born potter William Moorcroft ...
Ceramic
Large William Moorcroft Wisteria Plum Vase, c1935
By William Moorcroft
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Large William Moorcroft Wisteria Plum Vase, c1935 Additional Information: Heading : Large William Moorcroft pottery vase Date : c1935 Origin : Burslem, Engl...
Pottery
Art Deco White Moorcroft Art Pottery Vase in Claremont Pattern with Toadstools
By William Moorcroft
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This small bulbous shaped art pottery vase was done by William Moorcroft of England in approximately 1920 in a period amArt Deco style. The vase is done with a white salt glaze...
Pottery
Moorcroft Vintage Pomegranate Pattern Vase Stamped & Signed Walter Moorcroft
By William Moorcroft
Located in Sherborne, GB
A sweet vintage vase from Moorcroft, featuring a stunning pomegranate pattern in beautiful cobalt blue. The piece is signed by and stamped Moorcroft, made in England, 32 adding to it...
Pottery
A sweet little William Moorcroft Leaf and Berry vase
By William Moorcroft
Located in London, GB
William Moorcroft. A sweet little colorful Leaf and Berry vase in wonderful original condition.
Ceramic
$868Sale Price|20% Off
William Moorcroft, England Stamped and Signed Vintage Pomegranate Pattern Vase
By William Moorcroft
Located in Sherborne, GB
A gorgeous William Moorcroft, Burslem, England pottery vase, this perfectly formed vase is clearly signed on the base with impressed makers marks and hand signed in cobalt blue glaze...
Pottery
Early William Moorcroft Anemone Bowl & Lid Both Signed & Stamped
By William Moorcroft
Located in Sherborne, GB
Beautifuly decorated 5 inch Moorcroft Anemone lidded pot. This trinket dresser box, covered lidded candy dish, features the anemone pattern on a cre...
Pottery
Moorcroft Vintage Stamped & Signed Vase Decorated In The Poppy Pattern c1940’s
By William Moorcroft
Located in Sherborne, GB
This pretty vintage English vase is by William Mooorcroft, Burslem, England. The vase features the poppy pattern on Moorcroft’s signature, stunning cobalt blue ground and red poppies...
Pottery
Moorcroft Pottery Large Flambe Orchid Ginger Jar, c1955
By William Moorcroft
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Moorcroft Pottery Large Flambe Orchid Ginger Jar, c1955 Additional Information: Heading : Moorcroft Pottery Large Flambe Orchid Ginger Jar Date : c1955 Origin : Burslem, Staffordsh...
Pottery
Rare Moorcroft Banded Flambe Jug, circa 1930
By William Moorcroft
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Rare Moorcroft Banded Flambe Jug, circa 1930 Additional Information: Date: c1930 Origin: Burslem, England Marks: Blue Moorcroft and WM signature on base, Impressed Moorcroft S...
Pottery
Rare French Pale Green Glazed Terracotta Pot with Antique Patina
Located in IT
This rare French pale green glazed terracotta pot is a beautiful vintage collectible with a unique, time-worn patina. The exterior features a delicate pale green glaze, while the int...
Pottery
Charlotte Rhead Art Deco Vase for Crown Ducal, England, c.1930s
By Charlotte Rhead, Crown Ducal England
Located in Glasgow, GB
An original Art Deco ceramic vase by Charlotte Rhead for Crown Ducal, crafted in Staffordshire, England circa 1930s. This collectible British vase presents a distinctive urn-shaped f...
Ceramic
Large William Moorcroft Wisteria Plum Vase, c1935
By William Moorcroft
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Large William Moorcroft Wisteria Plum Vase, c1935 Additional Information: Heading : Large William Moorcroft pottery vase Date : c1935 Origin : Burslem, Engl...
Pottery
Charles Catteau Boch Enamel Ceramic Art Deco Blue Deer Pottery Vase
By Boch Freres Keramis, Charles Catteau
Located in Brescia, IT
Fine Art Deco vase by Charles Catteau Boch, La Louvier Gres Keramis Belgium, 1920 circa Glazed ceramic with blue deer Excellent condiction.
Ceramic
Art Deco Craquelure Glaze Art Pottery Vase c 1930/50's
By Jacques Adnet
Located in New York, NY
Chic Art Deco pottery vase in sophisticated off white craquelure glaze. Probably made in France, in the style of Jacques Adnet, Jean Pointu, numbered on verso. This example is in exc...
Pottery
A bronze vase by GAB, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Long Island City, NY
A patinated bronze vase manufactured by GAB, Sweden circa 1930s. Model number 260. Marked by manufacturer. Engraving.
Bronze
Turquoise Blue Pottery Vase
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Modern turquoise blue Amphora pottery vase, circa early-20th century, USA. Very good condition as shown in images. No chips noted. Dimension...
Clay
Moorcroft Pottery Vase, circa 1920
Located in New York, NY
Decorated with mauve, plum and blue blossoms against a cobalt ground.
Porcelain
Rare Art Nouveau Terracotta Wall Plaque, Early 20th Century
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Rare French Art Nouveau Terracotta Wall Plaque, Early 20th Century A beautifully detailed and rare French Art Nouveau terracotta wall plaque, dating from the early 20th century. Thi...
Brass
Moorcroft Flambe Orchid Vase, circa 1955
Located in New York, NY
Impressed marks and painted initials in blue.
Porcelain
$995 / set
H 3.25 in Dm 5.75 in
William Moorcroft Pomegranate Patterned Art Pottery Teacup & Saucer Set #1 of 4
By Moorcroft Pottery
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This art pottery teacup and saucer set was done by the Moorcroft Pottery company of England in circa 1925 in their 'Pomegranate' pattern. Each duo is done in the Moorcroft signature ...
Pottery
Moorcroft Pottery Big Poppy Vase
By Moorcroft Pottery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large Moorcroft Pottery big poppy vase. Walter Moorcroft era. The base bears impressed marks and a blue glaze script Walter Moorcroft signature. ...
Pottery
Sold
H 5.5 in W 5 in D 5 in
William Moorcroft Stamped & Signed Vintage Pomegranate & Cobalt Blue Design Vase
By William Moorcroft
Located in Sherborne, GB
A stunning, William Moorcroft, Burslem, England vase in superb condition, signed, stamped made in England with impressed markings and the addition of “Potter to H.M the Queen”. The ...
Pottery
Sold
H 10.24 in W 4.73 in D 2.37 in
William Moorecroft Large Signed Vase Decorated in the Wisteria Design c1940’s
By William Moorcroft
Located in Sherborne, GB
A rare, elegantly shaped, large, William Moorcroft Wisteria and plum patterned signed vase. The vase has a stunning cobalt blue ground with yellow, pink a...
Pottery
A William Moorcroft Pottery Ginger Jar and Cover, c1918
By William Moorcroft
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
A William Moorcroft Pottery Ginger Jar and Cover, c1918 Additional Information: Heading : A William Moorcroft Pottery Ginger Jar and Cover Date : Circa 1918 Origin : Burslem, Staffo...
Pottery
Signed Moorcroft Hibiscus Cobalt Art Pottery Vase Circa 1950 England
By William Moorcroft
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This signed art pottery vase was done by the Moorcroft Pottery company of England in circa 1950 using their signature deep cobalt blue ground and done in the 'Hibiscus' flower patter...
Pottery
Sold
H 15.83 in Dm 5.91 in
Tall James Macintyre Pottery Florian Ware Irises Vase by William Moorcoft, c1900
By William Moorcroft
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Tall James Macintyre Pottery Florian Ware Irises Vase by William Moorcoft, c1900 Additional Information: Heading : A James Macintyre Pottery Florian Ware Vase...
Pottery
A Large William Moorcroft Pomegranate Pattern Vase, c1915
By William Moorcroft
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
A Large William Moorcroft Pomegranate Pattern Vase, c1915 Additional Information: Heading : Large William Moorcroft pomegranate pattern vase Date : c1915 Period : George V Marks : Signed in green W Moorcroft, Moorcroft Burslem...
Pottery
Sold
H 9.45 in Dm 4.34 in
William Moorcroft Green Ground Pomegranate Vase Marked for Liberty & Co., c1913
By Liberty & Co., William Moorcroft
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
William Moorcroft Green Ground Pomegranate Vase Marked for Liberty & Co. c1913 Additional Information: Heading : William Moorcroft pottery green ground pomegranate vase for Liberty ...
Pottery
William Moorcroft Powder Blue Cornflower Vase, c1920
By William Moorcroft
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
William Moorcroft Powder Blue Cornflower Vase, c1920 Additional Information: Heading : Moorcroft powder blue cornflower vase Date : c1920 Origin : Burslem England Bowl Features :...
Pottery
Very Rare Tall William Moorcroft Hazeldene Ewer, circa 1903
By William Moorcroft
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Very Rare Tall William Moorcroft Hazeldene Ewer, circa 1903 Additional Information: Date: c.1903 Origin: Burslem, England Bowl Features: Land...
Pottery
William Moorcroft Pomegranate Pattern Trumpet Vase, circa 1930
By William Moorcroft
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
William Moorcroft Pomegranate Pattern Trumpet Vase, circa 1930 Additional Information: Date: c.1930 Origin: Burslem, England Bowl Features:...
Pottery
William Moorcroft Salt Glaze Anemone Vase, circa 1938
By William Moorcroft
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
William Moorcroft Salt Glaze Anemone Vase, circa 1938 Additional Information: Date: 1935-40 Origin: Burslem, England Bowl Features: Baluster form w...
Pottery
Tall William Moorcroft Anemone Flambe Vase, circa 1935
By William Moorcroft
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Tall William Moorcroft Anemone Flambe Vase, circa 1935 Additional Information: Date: circa 1935 Origin: Burslem, England Bowl Features: Depicts...
Pottery