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.
Neoclassical 19th Century 6-inch Glazed Profile Portrait Tile
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century 6-inch olive-brown majolica glazed dust-pressed tile depicting a profile portrait of a neoclassical figure with laurel wreath headdress before a foliage backdrop. Suc...
Clay
Minton 6-inch Glazed Neoclassical Profile Portrait Tile
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique 6-inch olive green majolica glazed tile by Minton & Co. (stamped) depicting a profile portrait of a bearded neoclassical figure in a regal headdress. Formerly used to deco...
Clay
Maw & Co 6-Inch Neoclassical Profile Portrait Tile
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A decorative 6-inch dust-pressed terracotta tile by Maw & Co. (stamped) decorated with a neoclassical profile portrait in relief before an olive green backdrop and yellow border. Ex...
Terracotta
Minton Hollins Antique Tin Glaze Portrait Tile Depicting A Nobleman
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This Minton Hollins antique tin glaze portrait tile depicting a nobleman from possibly the English civil war. This could make the subject Oliver Cromwell or King Charles II. Dating back to the late 19th century, this tile is molded in relief, depicting a figure in front of a cathedral or church in a circular frame. There is an exceptional level of detail captured in the mould; from the curling hair to the intricate building details in the background. On the reverse, in addition to regular markings found on Minton Hollins tiles...
Clay
Minton Hollins 8-inch Neoclassical Tile
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A reclaimed 8-inch clay tile by Minton Hollins & Co. (stamped to reverse) illustrated with a scene from Shakespeare’s 1593 poem ‘Venus and Adonis’. Inspired by Greek mythology, the ...
Clay
Antique Neoclassical Tile by Minton Hollins
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique 8-inch clay tile by Minton Hollins & Co. (stamped to reverse) illustrated with a scene from Shakespeare’s 1593 poem ‘Venus and Adonis’. Inspired by Greek mythology, the po...
Clay
GIULIANO DE MEDICI MORTAR BAS-RELIEF end 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
GIULIANO DE MEDICI MORTAR BAS-RELIEF end 20th Century Giuliano de' Medici (Florence, October 28, 1453 – Florence, April 26, 1478) cement mortar. Brother of Lorenzo the Magnificent. ...
Cement
Vintage Tuscan Terra Cotta Head of Dionisio Etrusco, Circa 1920, Italy
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Tuscan clay head of Dionisio Etrusco Bacco made of hand crafted terra cotta, in good condition. Minor fading, scratches due to age. Wear consistent...
Terracotta
Vintage Earthenware Tile with a Woman's Face
Located in Leuven , BE
Lovely rectangular earthenware tile representing a woman's face surrounded by ribbons and folliage. An exquisite antique with a lot of character that draws the eye and makes you wonder.
Earthenware
20th Century Neo Classical Hand-Crafted Terracotta Sicilian Sculpture
Located in Catania, Sicilia
It’s a bust-style sculpture, capturing the head of a woman with soft, classical features. The face has serene, somewhat idealized features, with a closed or neutral mouth and heavy-l...
Terracotta
TERRACOTTA HEAD OF ATHENA LEMNIA BY PHIDIAS, Italy 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
TERRACOTTA HEAD OF ATHENA LEMNIA BY PHIDIAS, Italy 20th Century The bronze original by Phidias, made between 451 and 448 BC for the Athenians who had come as cleruchi, or colonists,...
Terracotta
Antique Greek God Face in Terracotta – Excellent Condition
Located in Madrid, ES
This remarkable antique face of a Greek god, crafted from terracotta or a similar material, is a stunning representation of classical artistry. With its intricate details and express...
Terracotta
