Grotesque or Gorgeous ?

A Burmantofts yellow faience grotesque
seated Ibex ewer, the horns forming the handle, impressed model number 555 for auction on 1st February. 

Burmantofts Pottery began in the mid 19th century in Leeds when fire clay was discovered in a coal mine owned by William Wilcock and John Lassey.  By 1879 the firm was producing decorative tiles and bricks working in terracotta and glazed terracotta (also known as faience).  From 1880 to 1957 Art Pottery was created such as vases, jardineres, chargers, bottles and animal figures, often in experimental and elaborate colours such as Persian blue, orange yellow and deep red.