Pottery is one of the oldest decorative art forms, and Minton is one of its historical masters. For more than 250 years, the English company was a premier producer of porcelain and ceramic wares. Its factory was known for detailed and brightly colored Victorian tableware, including dinner plates and serving pieces.
Thomas Minton founded the Minton factory in 1793 in Stoke-upon-Trent, England. It initially made earthenware but introduced bone china in 1798. When Minton died in 1836, the company passed to his son, Herbert Minton. The younger Minton was a savvy businessman with an eye for design. He introduced glossy majolica earthenware to the factory’s repertoire and hired skilled artists and designers like Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin and Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, boosting the company’s reputation.
In 1851, Minton debuted its majolica at the Great Exhibition in London. It became a royal family favorite and was even used to tile the Royal Dairy at Windsor Home Park. Minton majolica was also displayed on the monumental Saint George and the dragon fountain at the 1862 London International Exhibition.
Colin Minton Campbell, a nephew of Herbert Minton, took over the family business in 1858. He led the company to the head of the 1870s English art pottery movement. In the 1890s, French porcelain artist Marc-Louis Solon helped modernize Minton with his Art Nouveau designs.
Minton ceased operating as an independent company when it merged with Royal Doulton Tableware Ltd. in 1968. It was the end of an era, but not the end of widespread appreciation for Minton ceramics.
In 1982, the ”English Majolica” exhibition at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum featured 75 Minton pieces. When the Metropolitan Museum of Art reopened its British Galleries in 2020, it included a display of three colorful Minton majolica bird sculptures. Minton pottery was also on display from September 2021 to January 2022, along with other English pottery, at the Bard Graduate Center’s ”Majolica Mania” exhibition.
On 1stDibs, find exquisite Minton serveware, decorative objects, wall decorations and more.
Antique Chamberlain Co Encaustic Heraldic Tile Panel
By Chamberlain & Co
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of four 6-inch antique encaustic heraldic tiles by Chamberlain Co of Worcester circa 1845. Dating from the mid 19th century, these four reclaimed tiles are mounted on a bespok...
Clay
Small Antique Minton & Co Encaustic Tile
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This small antique Minton & Co encaustic tile displays a collection of intriguing motifs and symbols. This 19th century 6-inch tile is the perfect deco...
Clay
Antique Encaustic Heraldic Tile Panel by Chamberlain & Co
By Chamberlain & Co
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of four 6-inch antique encaustic heraldic tiles by Chamberlains of Worcester circa 1845. Dating from the mid 19th century, these four reclaimed tiles are mounted on a bespoke ...
Metal, Steel
Craven Dunnill & Co 6-inch Encaustic Crown Tile on Stand
By Craven Dunhill
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A late 19th century encaustic floor tile by Craven Dunhill and Co (stamped) depicting a neo-medieval crown in deep red and buff tones. This 6-inch tile in...
Steel
English ‘Tenez le le Droit’ Antique Heraldic Tiles on Stand
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Tiles like these have decorated the floors of notable English buildings for centuries. But while many have become steadily worn and weathered away by footfall, these four armorial tiles are a rare find, having remained in beautiful condition for more than 150 years. Dating from the mid 19th century, these four reclaimed tiles are mounted on a bespoke steel...
Steel
Craven Dunnill & Co 6-inch Encaustic Lion Tile on Stand
By Craven Dunhill
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A late 19th century encaustic floor tile by Craven Dunhill and Co (stamped) depicting four passant lions in deep red and buff tones. This 6-inch tile includes a bespoke steel stand a...
Steel
English Heraldic Plaque with Lions, Early 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
This captivating early 20th Century plaster English heraldic plaque boasts a regal ensemble of crowned lions, a prominent cross, and elegantly draped swags adorned with delicate tass...
Plaster
Arts & Crafts Minton Pottery Tile Designed by Christopher Dresser
By Christopher Dresser, Minton
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A Minton pottery tile designed by Christopher Dresser in 1873. This tile, designed by Christopher Dresser and made in 1873, exemplifies the Aesthetic Movement ethos of the home as...
Earthenware
Victorian Carved Polychrome Coat Of Arms Of The United Kingdom
Located in Essex, MA
A large carved painted wood crest once mounted over a public building in the British isles. Featuring a lion and unicorn flanked by a shield featuring the quartered arms of Ireland, ...
Wood
Antique Spanish Triana Tile, Seville Spain Mudejar Grotesque Motif
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Spanish Triana Tile, Seville – Mudejar Grotesque Motif, Mensaque Rodríguez Attributed A rare and highly decorative antique Spanish ceramic tile, attributed to the renowned Mensaque Rodriguez workshop in the historic Triana district of Seville. Executed in the traditional Mudejar style, this handcrafted tile showcases the distinctive “arista” (raised-line) technique, characteristic of Andalusian pottery...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
Large English 19th Century Carved Wood Coat of Arms, Wall Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Exceptional large carved wood crest representing the British Royal family. Beautiful patina, original painted finish.
Wood
19th Century Velvet Tapestry with Heraldic Coat of Arms, Framed
Located in Lincoln, GB
Authentic 19th Century Velvet Tapestry Featuring Heraldic Coat of Arms Velvet has long been cherished for its luxurious texture and rich hues, making it a preferred fabric for cerem...
Tapestry, Velvet
