Majolica - History Majolica was first developed at Minton from 1849 by Leon Arnoux and was first shown to the public at the Great Exhibition of 1851. The diversity of Majolica is astonishing, from tiny vases, tureens, plates, garden seats to monumental 40ft fountains. The inspiration for the modelers seems endless, notably the renaissance and medieval and Tudor periods, 18th century French and English pottery and porcelain, Japanese, Chinese and Islamic art. Textiles, leather, marble and other stones also has their influence. Naturalism however provided most of the ideas - fruits and flowers animals, vegetables and marine life. The results were a feast for the eyes incorporating natural history fantasy with a strong element of humour to decorative pottery. For everything there is to know about Majolica visit the "Majolica Society" |
