Object Name : Tobacco Jar (Wally Bird)

Physical Description : Small tobacco jar or Wally Bird on plinth. Decorated with green, brown, blue and orange salt glaze with a lifted beak.

Historical associations : This bird looks very life-like. It is very detailed and close to nature - just look at its clawed feet. Its face however, makes it seem almost human. In the 19th Century, anthropomorphic taxidermy - stuffed animals set in human poses or engaged in human activities - was very popular. Wallace Martin looks to be following the same sentiment with this bird jar.

Producer role : Maker
Producer name : Martin, Robert Wallace
Production date/period : 18.04.1905

Producer role : Factory
Producer name : Martin Brothers
Production place : Southall

Material : body: stoneware
Technique : hand-modelled
Material : decoration: salt glazed
Technique : incised, hand-painted

Inscription type : incised and painted
Inscription location : Around inside collar of lid
Transcription : R.W. Martin + Bros London + Southall. 18.4.1905