Item Overview
• Designer: Charles Hubert Brannam
• Brand: C.H. Brannam / Royal Barum Ware
• Manufacturer: Litchdon Street Pottery (Barnstaple, Devon)
• MPN: N/A
• Date of Manufacture: c. 1900–1910
• Place of Origin: Barnstaple, North Devon, United Kingdom
• Style: Arts & Crafts / Liberty & Co. Interest
• Design Era: Edwardian / Art Nouveau Period
• Material: Hand-Thrown Terracotta / Art Pottery Clay
• Colours: Vivid Majolica Royal Blue Glaze Exterior with Ochre Green-Brown Glaze Interior
• Set Includes: Single Dual-Handled Squat Bulb Planter Bowl
• Condition: Good Antique Condition (Note handle flaw)
• Size: Approximately 16cm to 18cm Diameter
Dating & Historical Context
• Dating: This piece dates strictly from the turn of the 20th Century (c. 1900s–1910s). The specific style of the incised script mark on the base combined with the distinctive vibrant earthenware majolica glaze is diagnostic of Brannam's peak Arts & Crafts production period.
• Historical Note & Artist Monogram: Hand-incised on the base with the celebrated "C.H. Brannam / Barum / N. Devon" studio mark, this planter holds exceptional collector value due to its verified artist monogram. Underneath the location markings, it features the hand-scribed letter 'T', which designates the specific potter who threw or decorated the vessel on the wheel. Charles Hubert Brannam first established his artistic pottery line in 1879, quickly gaining patronage from Queen Victoria and a prestigious retail arrangement with Liberty & Co. of London. This specific form showcases iconic Arts & Crafts organic design language, featuring whimsical "winged" or split strap handles that flow directly out of the rim—a shape highly sought after by regional North Devon art pottery collectors.
Description
A wonderful piece of English heritage art pottery, this antique C.H. Brannam planter bowl boasts a squat, bulbous ovoid form layered in their signature high-gloss Royal Blue glaze. The interior contrasts beautifully with a warm, lead-glazed earthy ochre brown finish showing clear concentric throwing rings from the artisan wheel.
Expert Identification & Design Features:
• Incised Maker's Mark: Features a fully authenticated, hand-incised script signature reading "C.H. Brannam Barum N. Devon" alongside the master craftsman's 'T' monogram directly on the unglazed terracotta base ring.
• Art Nouveau Strap Handles: Built with distinctive, sweeping side handles that loop gracefully from the side walls and pinch back onto the upper rim.
• Built-in Drainage Hole: Designed with an original central drainage aperture at the floor of the bowl, typical of specialized Edwardian bulb-forcing planters.
• Honest Terracotta Foot: The base rim leaves the natural, red-orange Devon earthenware body exposed where it sat on the kiln shelves.
Condition Report
This piece is in good antique condition considering its age and the fragile nature of early Devon lead glazes. Please note: One of the loop handles shows an old hairline crack/manufacturing stress line near the rim join, and there is a small historic chip/glaze flake visible on the upper handle edge (please see detailed macro shots in the gallery for closer inspection). The main body is solid with no major structural breaks or restorations. The glaze retains an exceptional reflective shine with expected fine age-crazing, minor kiln firing pops, and light base-ring wear commensurate with a 100+ year old piece of functional art pottery.
Shipping & Logistics
• Domestic Shipping: FREE UK TRACKED DELIVERY.
• International Shipping: We proudly ship worldwide via the eBay Global Shipping Programme (GSP).
• Packaging: Securely double-wrapped in high-density bubble cushioning and heavily padded boxes to safeguard the handles and delicate antique glaze during transit.
• Dispatch: Ships within 1 business days.
Returns & Payment Policies
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• Not as Described: In the unlikely event of an error in our listing, we will provide a full refund and cover the return postage costs.
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