Moorcroft Pottery for Sale

Popular pottery company “James Macintyre & Co.” employed a talented designer by the name of William Moorcroft in 1897. William had recently graduated from what is now known as the Royal College of Art in London, and he learned his craft there.

Before even a year had passed, Moorcroft was promoted to lead designer at the company's art studio. It was here that Moorcroft would make a name for his exquisite art pottery.

The first unique line Moorcroft produced was known as “Florian Ware”, vases that feature intricate floral designs over a glossy blue, green, or white glaze. Moorcroft received 1st place at the 1904 world fair for his work on the Florian Ware. He continued in this vein of developing marvelous high-Victorian ceramics - which he would transfer-print and etch his fascinating designs on. He went on to gain countless accolades, which garnered resentment from his employers. Moorcroft marked his pieces with only his own name or initials and was beginning to accrue fame for his personal designs rather than the company as a whole.

JM&C fired Moorcroft for this reason in 1912, but William soon opened a brand new firm and relocated to a nearby production factory. Moorcroft Pottery saw its golden era during this time, generating massive income through its affordable tableware series, and winning awards via Moorcrofts innovative, tube-lined, hand-painted, art pottery. The company went through a lot of restructuring and buyouts in the late 1900s, but Moorcroft remained as head of design throughout the history of the firm. He continued to craft incredible designs that reflected his art nouveau influences until his death in 2002.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moorcroft’s distinctive tube-lined floral patterns and luminous glazes have made it a staple of fine ceramic art since 1913. Much like Rookwood Pottery, Moorcroft pieces represent both technical mastery and an enduring artistic legacy that continues to captivate collectors worldwide.

Authentic Moorcroft often carries an impressed “Moorcroft Made in England” mark. Many early pieces bear the signatures of William or Walter, and later works include designer initials or date codes.

Pieces from William Moorcroft’s era and early 20th-century production generally fetch higher value. Signed or marked items, especially those with Royal Warrant or Liberty & Co provenance, are most desirable.

Condition plays a decisive role. Even small chips or worn tubelining can reduce desirability, while pristine glazes ensure lasting appeal. This careful attention to preservation mirrors how collectors evaluate fine European Pottery, where subtle differences in surface quality often define long-term value.

Yes, due to age and the fragility of tubelined decoration, some Moorcroft pieces have undergone professional restoration. At Just Art Pottery, condition reports always note any repairs or touch-ups, allowing collectors to make informed decisions with full transparency.

Pieces designed by founder William Moorcroft and his son Walter are the most sought-after, particularly early 20th-century examples. Contemporary pottery designs by Emma Bossons and Rachel Bishop also draw strong collector interest, especially in limited editions and signed works.