Tooth & Co

Tooth and Co was known for its rich, luscious glazes and the clear shapes of its wares. The shapes were often derived from Chinese and Greek traditions – but they had another influence too.

The company owner, master potter Henry Tooth, had come from Linthorpe Pottery, where Christopher Dresser was the lead designer. When Tooth formed his own company, he reproduced some of the shapes that Dresser had created.

Walter Cook’s interest in these vases was sparked by Tooth & Co (Bretby Pottery) having won a silver medal at the 1906–07 New Zealand International Exhibition. Also intriguing was the design history of the works. 

Text taken from exhibition Walter Cook: A Collector's Quest 2012.