Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-10-20

England stands pre-eminent in the manu-
facture of pottery; France in that of works
in bronze, both in the real article and in the
imitation, or what is known as French
bronze, while Italy is noted for her sculp-
lures in marble. There are a number of
celebrated makes of English art pottery,
among the most famous and most important
being the Royal Worcester ware, Doulton's,
Grown Derby and Wedgewood wares. The
popularity of these four wares is in the order
in which they are named.
THE ROYAL WORCESTER
comes first, but il is being closely followed
by Doulton's products. Indeed, this latter
ware bids fair to take the lead in popular
favor, in the smaller pieces particularly, for
the reason that the Worcester ware has been
so extensively manufactured in the smaller
and lower priced pieces, that it is not now
so much sought after as formerly; in the
larger and more elaborate works, however,
it still maintains its ascendancy. Doulton's g
factories. which are located in Burslem, in
Staffordshire, produce some of the largest
and most important works that are manu-
factured anywhere in the world; they
are beautiful in form, rich in
color, and covered over with
decorations, contrasting strongly in this
particular with the refined and delicate con-
ventionalized designs Of the Royal Worcester
wares, which in other respects they re-
semble. The richness and beauty of the
Doulton ware is due mainly to the genius
and skill of its originator. Sir Henry Doul-
ton, he having been knighted by Queen
Victoria for the elegance and superiority of
his products. The energy and enterprise
which have been instrumental in building
up this world-renowned industry is in
stanced in the sending of Mr.. Lionel Billion
as far away as Australia, in order that he
might secure new and heretofore unused
varieties of flowers to serve as motives in de-
signing, with a view of producing results
different from anything previously seen.
1t is, perhaps, not putting it too strongly to
assert that Doulton ware is soon to take the
front rank OF all the art potteries. There is
another variety of ware made at this factory
quite different from the one above referred
to, but which is also very popular. 1t is
also a remarkable TACT that the Doulton fac
tories produce everything in the line
of 'earthenware, from sewer pipe to
the finest works, and are especially
noted Tor productions in the line
of sanitary Plumbing. Although the
French are more celebrated for their works
in bronze, they still produce some fine re-
suits in pottery, OF which the famous Sevres
china is the most important. This ware is
commonly ornamented with bronze, as is
also the beautiful Louchet ware.
PITTsBURG AN ART CENTER.
Ifa doubt exists in the mind of any one
as to Pittsburg's rank in the matter of ap-
probation of fine art products, visit to
some of the frst-class dealers In such COM
modities will set it at rest forever. Through
the courtesy of Mr.. Hardy, OF the firm of
Hardy & Hays, the writer was afforded
considerable insight into the growth and
Importance of this business in Pittsburg,
and also an opportunity of closely examin-
ing some of the more rare and valuable
works. Among these are couple of pieces
in real bronze, fresh from the Paris EX-
position, One of them. The Greek Slave"
is a noble work ana OF exquisite grace. The
other is entitled "The Fairy Tale" and
consists of the figures of two children
deeply interested in a book. Upon
q superb bronze pedestal rests
a fine bust of the blind poet,
Milton, and near by stands large and
striking figure in French bronze called
''The Sower." "Spring" and 1.-THE Fisher
Boy" are two handsome works In Italian
marble. A specially fine vase in Royal
worcester ware is decorated with view of
Stratford-on-A Avon, the birthplace of Shakes
peare. A set of three vases in fine Louchet
ware, ornamented with goId-colored bronze,
form a beautiful group. Pierced Royal
Worcester ware is a beautiful product, In
patterns not unlike filagree work in metals.
Wedgewood ware also finds considerable
favor, and some very beautiful specimens OF
this goods may be seen.
At the art rooms on the second floor OF
Mr., w, w. Wattles' establishment some
very fine works were seen, particularly in
Doulton ware Several fine pieces OF this