North Devon pottery collection goes to auction

An impressive array of North Devon pottery, dating from the 18th century to modern day, will be featured at Chilcotts Auction in Honiton on October 12.

The highlight of the event is 'The Fishley Collection', a showcase of over 80 pieces of earthenware pottery that has captivated admirers of Devon folk art.

Curated by auctioneer Mary Chilcott, the collection includes classical and biblical-themed pieces, art pottery, puzzle jugs, and harvest jugs. 

Mary described it as “the largest selection of Fishley pottery ever to be included in a single auction.”

The Fishley pottery tradition began in the early 19th century when George Fishley established Fremington Pottery, using slipware and sgraffito techniques to create beautifully decorated earthenware. 

His grandson, Edwin Beer Fishley, who took over in the 1860s, became the most renowned of the Fishley potters, inspiring key figures in the Studio Pottery movement such as Bernard Leach, Michael Cardew, and Hamada Shoji.

Following Edwin’s death in 1912, the family legacy continued through his grandson, William ‘Willie’ Fishley Holland, who set up a kiln in Braunton before relocating to Clevedon, Somerset, where he worked until retiring in the 1960s.

The auction includes pottery from all three generations of the Fishley family, ranging from George’s early work to Edwin’s innovative glazes and William’s decorative style. 

There are also pieces by potters influenced by the Fishleys, including Harry and Nick Juniper, and Philip Leach, son of Bernard Leach.

Mary Chilcott expressed particular delight at the inclusion of several whimsical pieces by Harry Juniper, who has been called the ‘guardian of North Devon pottery making’. 

One standout item is a jug titled 'Tipsy Jubilee', depicting Queen Elizabeth II enjoying a drink on her throne. 

Other unique pieces include a ‘Devil’s Bowl’ and a musical owl that plays Happy Birthday.

The collection comes from Margaret Squance, a direct descendant of the Fishley family. Margaret, the great-great-granddaughter of Edwin Beer Fishley, developed a deep connection to her family’s pottery after childhood visits to her great-uncle William in Clevedon. 

Some pieces were passed down through her family, while others, including the Harry Juniper works, were acquired by Margaret as she expanded her collection.

Public viewing of the collection and other auction items will begin on Wednesday, October 9, at Chilcotts Dolphin Saleroom on Honiton High Street. 

The auction, which also features ceramics, art, antiques, and 20th-century design, will start at 10am on Saturday, October 12.