Code: 11151
Dimensions:
Reginald John "Rex" Whistler (1905–1944) for Wedgwood
A "Clovelly" pattern Demitasse Coffe Can Cup & Saucer
"Queensware" (creamware) pottery
Transfer printed in underglaze black
Stoke-on-Trent, England
Circa 1936
Measures:-
5.1 cm (diameter) x 6 cm (high) (cup)
11.2 cm (diameter) x 2 cm (high) (saucer)
A Wedgwood "Queensware" (creamware) demitasse cup and saucer, in Rex Whistler's "Clovelly" pattern. The saucer with a transfer printed central scene of a small sailboat at Clovelly seafront, viewed through an arch with an anchor in the foreground; the cup with a scene of Clovelly harbour floral vignettes and a trophy of capstans and cannon. Printed marks to the base "Rex Whistler / Design / Wedgwood / Made in England" and "P". Also with impressed "WEDGWOOD" mark to the saucer, and "WEDGWOOD / MADE IN ENGLAND" & "5034".
The "Clovelly" pattern was first designed by Rex Whistler in 1932 for use as a toile de jouy fabric. It was commissioned by Christine Hamlyn Fane (1855-1936) the benefactor and owner of the Clovelly Estate, who was responsible for the preservation and upkeep of the historic and picturesque Devon fishing village. Christine Hamlyn (known to Rex Whistler as "Aunt Christine") also sat for a portrait by the artist at her home, Clovelly Court. Shortly after the toile de jouy fabric went into production the design was adapted by Wedgwood for use in a range of ceramic teawares.
Wedgwood's "Clovelly" pattern comes in five colourways: Black (as here); Blue; Red; Green and Sepia. In the earliest productions it is usually encountered in creamware ("Queensware") though, occasionally, bone china pieces can be found. In the later, post-war, issues it is generally found in stoneware.
Literature:-
For a description of the "Clovelly" toile de jouy project see pp.97-99, Hugh Cecil and Mirabel Cecil, "In Search of Rex Whistler: His Life and His Work", London, Frances Lincoln Limited, 2012.
