Holdcroft Majolica
The English potter Joseph Holdcroft established the Sutherland Pottery in Longton at Daisy Bank, England in 1870 and operated until 1906 when its name changed to Holdcroft Ltd., as which they continued operations until 1920. Having eighteen years experience at the Mintons pottery, Holdcroft was proficient in manufacturing majolica, especially birds and flowers.
Holdcroft majolica is hard to date since it was rarely marked. The colors most used in his ware were celadon, brown and gray and were often featured on forms somewhat less life-like than those produced by Mintons. Among the majolica forms produced by the Holdcroft works were tea sets, bread plates, egg holders, strawberry servers, umbrella vases, stands, planters and bear figural pitchers.
For further reference, see “Majolica: A Complete History & Illustrated Survey”, by Marilyn G. Karmason with Joan B. Stacke, published by Harry N. Abrams Inc., New York, 1989; and “Majolica: American and European Wares” by Jeffrey B. Snyder and Leslie Bockol, Schiffer Publishing Ltd, Atglen, Pennsylvania, 1994.