Collecting Mashman Pottery
During the early to mid 1900’s, one of the most prominent names in a thriving Australian pottery market was Mashman Bros Ltd. The family company flourished first with a line of utilitarian wares, and then during the 1930s and ’40s with Regal Art Ware, a distinctive pottery range notable for its rich colours, decorative varnishes and Art Deco flourishes. With a beautiful collection coming soon, we take a look at the history and appeal of Mashman Pottery.
From Doulton Lambeth to Leading Potters
Mashman Bros Ltd was established by William (1851-1912) and Henry (1856-1922) Mashman, ceramicists who had trained at Doulton’s Lambeth works in England. It was a family affair, with the pair’s father and brother also working at Doulton. Henry, in particular, excelled, apparently known as “the second-best thrower in England” by age 19.
Emigrating to Australia in 1883, the brothers worked in Maitland before partnering with James Sandison in 1885 to open a pottery in Willoughby (now Chatswood), an area that appealed due to its good clay deposits. Today, Mashman Park in Chatswood’s Victoria Avenue – the site of the original business – is named after the pair.
With the arrival in Australia of their brothers and mother in 1889, the family bought out Sandison’s share and opened a second pottery in Auburn. In addition, Henry and William’s sons, Theo (1895-1964) and Frederick (1879-1964), managed a site in Kingsgrove that opened in 1910. Then in 1959, Royal Doulton, no doubt remembering their star apprentices, bought into the family business. It continued producing bathroom and household wares until purchased by Caroma in 1980 and eventually closing in 2000.
Pictured: A Regal Mashman Pottery Beehive Mantle Vase with mottled blue, green & amber tones
Launching Regal Mashman Pottery
The Mashman brothers had built a reputation for high quality chimney pots, pipes and household objects, before branching into fine pottery with the Regal Art Ware range. Launched in 1932, the Regal Mashman line featured finely crafted vases, jardinières and jugs influenced by Art Deco shapes and design elements, a style then hugely popular in Australia.
The eye-catching vessels were particularly notable for their distinctive gloss glazes, often in rich hues and with a mottled or streaky finish. While the application appears casual, the final effect required a skilled hand, and sometimes included very subtle, repetitive patterns.
Like Doulton, Mashman hired art modellers and mould makers to help create their wares. And while sharing some similarities with Doulton designs, the Regal Mashman vessels also had a distinctly local flavour – sometimes featuring motifs of Australian flora and fauna.
Today, Mashman Bros pottery is highly regarded, with the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney holding a large collection. Mashman also produced book ends and novelty wares, and you can find one example at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra – a Bottle Stopper Portrait of former Prime Minister, Billy Hughes.
Pictured: A Regal Mashman Pottery Flared Lip Mantle Vase with ribbed detail to neck, teal & lemon drip glaze
Collecting Mashman
For collectors of Mashman Pottery, the appeal lies in several areas – the interesting Australian history, the timeless designs, eye catching glazes and high quality. The Mashman family had spent years with Doulton so had acquired exceptional skills from one of England’s most notable pottery producers.
“They were very skilled potters,” says Amelia Scott, Theodore Bruce Head of Decorative Arts, “so the high quality is definitely a drawcard. For many collectors it’s also the fabulous glazes and finishes, which are very distinctive. And Art Deco design is always popular with collectors, which Regal Mashman did so well. They took the classic Doulton style and really made it their own.”
Pictured: A Regal Mashman Pottery Mantle Vase with Twin Handle Detail, mottled olive, pink & blue drip glaze, & graduating ribbed detail to outer cavetto
An Exciting Collection of Regal Mashman Pottery Coming to Auction
Theodore Bruce is delighted to soon bring to auction The Collection of a South Coast Gentleman, a single vendor decorative arts auction featuring Moorcroft, Lalique, Val St Lambert, Royal Copenhagen, Meissen, Herend – and a fabulous collection of Mashman Pottery.
Among the items on offer will be a large selection of mantle, posey, globular and cylindrical Regal vases, all with vibrant and striking glazes.
To stay informed, please keep an eye on our Upcoming Auctions page, follow us on Instagram, or join our mailing list via the link below.
Pictured: A Regal Mashman Pottery Squat Vase with mottled brown & green glaze detail