Carlton Ware Handcraft Patterns

The Carlton Ware Handcraft range of patterns were in production from circa 1928 until the second half of the 1930s; these were the halcyon days of the Art Deco era, I would almost go so far as to call the Handcraft patterns High Deco. The Handcraft motifs are highly stylized and hand painted. Most have a matt finish, but not all, there are 6 Handcraft patterns with a gloss finish.

Handcraft patterns do not always have a Handcraft maker's mark and sometimes non Handcraft patterns have a Handcraft maker's mark. I have consulted with a select panel of collectors and curators and we have taken the liberty of deciding which are Carlton Ware patterns and which are Handcraft patterns. This is open for debate and we would encourage and are open to dicuss out decisions further. The panel have to this date identified 85 patterns and colour-way variations, I now have 78 patterns pictured on this web page.

The “Mondrian” pattern (number 3570) is only known by a hand fill of examples. The patterns “Glade” and “Rain Forest” appear on pages 169 & 170 Dr Czes & Yvonne Kosniowski’s “A pocket guide to Carlton Ware.  The Kosniowskis’s also attribute “Pomona” with 2 pattern numbers - 3324 & 3328 – we have not seen an example of 3328 which we believe to be on a blue ground. On page 90 the Kosniowski’s show “Lazy Daisy” on a red ground; the example held by the Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collections is on a mustard ground. While I have never seen an example of “Ziggarette” (pattern 3554); I believe this must also be a Handcraft pattern.  There is also a third colour-way of "Hiawatha" that I do not as yet have an example of. Can anybody help us with photos of these patterns?

At this point I must thank the collectors who have allowed me access to their collections and their knowledge. In particular I must thank the curators of the "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection" and "The Parnell Collection"; without the generous help of these two people these pages would only be a shadow of what they are today. Items from these 2 fantastic collection are watermarked as such.

The first five items in this Handcraft list are trial pieces. All five pieces are clearly marked Handcraft, but none have pattern numbers. Are there any more examples out there? If so can anyone furnish us with the pattern numbers?

 Carlton Ware Handcraft New Rainbow

C.W. Handcraft New Rainbow Charger - 39cm (16") diameter - marked Handcraft 

Matt finish - trial piece, only 2 examples known. 

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

 Carlton Ware Handcraft Rainbow 

C.W. Handcraft Rainbow Charger - 39 cm (16") diameter - marked Handcraft

Matt finish - trial piece, only example known to exist.

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

Carlton Ware Handcraft Fairy Dell

C.W. Handcraft Fairy Dell Charger - 39 cm (16") diameter - marked Handcraft 

Matt finish - trial piece, only 2 examples known to exist.

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

Carlton Ware Handcraft "Storm Kites"

C.W. Handcraft "Storm Kites" Jar - pattern number unknown

marked Handcraft - pale blue matt ground

Image courtesy of Charlie from USA

This is an unamed pattern, Storm Kites is my name. As far as we are aware this is the only known example in this pattern. This shape should have a lid, but the present owner does not have one. Has anyone else seen an example of this pattern? We would love to have its pattern number.  

Carlton Ware Handcraft Clouds

C.W. Handcraft Clouds Bowl - pattern number not known

Image Courtesy of "The Parnell Collection" 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Floral Scallops ~ 3234 (circa 1928)

C.W. Handcraft Floral Scallops Minature Vase - pattern 3234 - marked Handcraft

matt cream ground -  production 1928 - 1932

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

Carlton Ware Handcraft Shamrock ~ 3235 (circa 1928)

C.W. Handcraft Shamrock Hexagonal Bowl - marked Handcraft - pattern 3235

matt cream ground - production era 1928 to 1932 

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

Carlton Ware Handcraft Floribunda ~ 3236 (circa 1928)

Carlton Ware Handcraft Flowering Papyrus ~ 3242 (circa 1928)

C.W. Handcraft Flowering Papyrus Jar & Cover - marked Handcraft - pattern 3242 

white matt ground - production era 1928 - 1932

Image courtesy of "The Lexi James Collection" 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Flowering Papyrus "A" (Variation) ~ 3242A (circa 1928)

C.W. Handcraft Flowering Papyrus Vase (Variation) - pattern 3242A - marked Handcraft

 cream matt ground - production era 1928 - 1932

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"  

Carlton Ware Handcraft Orchid ~ 3255 (circa 1928)

Image courtesy of "The Lexi James Collection" 

C.W. Handcraft Orchid Vase - marked Handcraft - pattern 3325

yellow matt ground - production era 1928 - 1932

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

Carlton Ware Handcraft Marigold ~ 3271 (circa 1927)

C.W.Handcraft Marigold Jardienere - pattern 3271

matt white ground - production era 1927 to 1931

Image Courtesy of "The Parnell Collection"   

Carlton Ware Handcraft Cherry ~ 3272 (circa 1928)

Carlton Ware Handcraft Delphinium ~ 3273 (circa 1928) 

C.W. Handcraft Delphinium Bowl - marked Handcraft - pattern 3273 

white matt ground  - production era 1928 - 1932

 Image courtesy of "The Lexi James Collection"

C.W. Handcraft Delphinium Vase - marked Handcraft - pattern 3273A

matt lilac ground - production era 1928 - 1932

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"   

C.W. Delphinium Jam Pot, Lid & Under Plate - pattern 3637

matt peach ground - production era 1932 to 1936

Image courtesy of "The Parnell Collection"

Carlton Ware Handcraft Honesty ~ 3278 (circa 1928)

 

 

C.W. Handcraft Butterfly Coffee Cup & Saucer -  pattern 3290

matt white ground - production era 1928 to 1932

Image courtesy of "The Parnell Collection"

Carlton Ware Handcraft Stellata ~ 3291 (circa 1928)

C.W. Handcraft Stellata Vase - marked Handcraft - pattern 3291

matt cream ground - production era 1928 - 1932

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

 C.W. Handcraft Stellata Vase – marked Handcraft - pattern 3326

matt royal blue ground - production era 1929 to 1933

Carlton Ware Handcraft Bluebells ~ 3294 (circa 1928)

"Pattern attributed to Violet Elmer"

C.W. Handcraft Bluebells Coffee Pot - pattern 3294

cream matt cround - production era 1928 to 1932

Image Courtesy of "The Parnell Collection"   

I have also seen this pattern called Harebell. This is a very interesting find, the cups and saucers are all marked with the W&R maker's mark while the coffee pot, sugar bowl and creamer are marked with the Handcraft mark. I believe these date from the cross over period during which the W&R mark was being fazed out. These pieces would have been made and the back stamp put on and then left in the glost warehouse until they where decorated. It is my belief that there must have been more cups and saucers with the W&R mark than there where coffee pots, creamers and sugar bowls so this explains the mix of marks. I have seen this mix of marks on a coffee set on an Awakening Coffee set held by the "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection". The other intereting fact is that the reg number 721741 was on the base - this number was issued in mid 1927. In the past I have found that these numbers seem to predate production by up to a year.    

Carlton Ware Handcraft Farrago ~ 3297 (circa 1928)

C.W. Handcraft Farrago Vase - marked Handcraft - pattern 3297

matt blush pink - production era circa 1928 - 1932

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

Carlton Ware Handcraft Zig Zag ~ 3299 (circa 1928)

C.W. Handcraft Zig Zag Velox Bowl - pattern 3299

 mat beige ground - production era 1929

Image courtesy of Ian & Jerome of Calgary in Canada 

C.W. Handcraft Zig Zag - pattern number not known

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection

Provenance: This vase was part of  James King's collection. James King is a well known Candian collector who was known for his outstanding Handcraft collection. 

As far as I am aware these are the only examples of the Zig Zag pattern. There is some conjecture over the name of this pattern; some say Lightning while others say Zigzag. I have looked very carefully at these patterns and have decided that they are two different patterns. Pattern 3299 is Zig Zag (production circa 1928); I believe that the two examples shown above are trial pieces. The Lightning patterns 3356 – 3357 – 3692; where made later. They are not as busy as Zig Zag, but there is no doubting that they are of the same school.

Carlton Ware New Chinese Bird ~ 3304 (circa 1929)

Carlton Ware New Chinese Bird Vase - marked Handcraft – pattern 3304

blush pink matt ground - production era 1929 - 1933

Image courtesy of "The Lexi James Collection" 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Carnival ~ 3305 (circa 1929)

C.W. Handcraft Carnival Vase - marked Handcraft - patttern 3305

matt royal blue ground - production era 1929 - 1933

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

Carlton Ware Pomona ~ 3324 (circa 1929)

C.W. Handcraft Pomona Vase - pattern 3324

matt gun metal blue ground - production era 1929 - 1933

 Image courtesy of "The Margaret Jones Collection"

Carlton Ware Handcraft Lightning ~ 3356 (circa 1929)

C.W. Handcraft Lightning Vase - marked Handcraft - pattern 3356

matt two tone blue ground - production era 1929 - 1933

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

"Pattern attributed to Violet Elmer"

C.W. Handcraft Lightning Vase - marked Handcraft - pattern 3357

two tone orange & chocolate matt ground - production era 1929 - 1933

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

C.W. Handcraft Lightning Vase - marked Handcraft - pattern 3692

Two tone orange & black lustre ground - production era 1932 to 1936

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

C.W. Handcraft Lightning Vase - marked Handcraft - pattern number unknown

Two tone mauve & chocolate semi-gloss ground 1929 to 1936

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection" 

Not the prettiest piece in the world, but it is the only example of this colour-way the panel or I known to exist. I feel that it was a trial piece and that it has not been finished. I would suggest that at least one more pin stripe of colour and the gilding has been left off. Has any body else seen an example of this colour-way?

Carlton Ware Handcraft Gentian ~ 3358 (circa 1929)

C.W. Handcraft Gentian Octagonal Plate - marked Handcraft - pattern 3358

matt royal blue ground -production era 1929 - 1931

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

Carlton Ware Handcraft Stag ~ 3359 (circa 1929)

C.W. Handcraft Stag Cylinder Vase (shape 217) - marked Handcraft - pattern 3359

matt orange ground - production era 1929

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

This is a very RARE pattern and as far as we are aware this is one of only four in existence - do you have one?

 Carlton Ware Handcraft Scroll ~ 3411 (circa 1930)

"Pattern attributed to Violet Elmer"

C.W. Handcraft Scroll Jug - marked Handcraft - pattern 3411

two tone light blue matt ground - production era 1930 - 1931

Image courtesy of "The Parnell Collection" 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Aurora ~ 3412 (circa 1930)

"Pattern attributed to Violet Elmer"

C.W. Handcraft Aurora Footed Gondola - marked Handcraft - pattern 3412

matt glaze - production era 1930 - 1934

Image courtesy of "The Parnell Collection"

 C.W. Handcraft Auroa Vase - marked handcraft - pattern 3412

matt glaze - production era 1930 - 1934

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection" 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Lazy Daisy ~ 3414 (circa 1930)

C.W. Handcraft Lazy Daisy Fish Bowl Vase - marked Handcraft - pattern 3414

Matt mustard ground - production era 1930 - 1934 

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

 

 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Apple Blossom ~ 3522 (circa 1931)

C.W. Handcraft Apple Blossom Ginger Jar & cover – pattern 3522 - Handcraft mark

 sponged light blue ground – production era 1931 - 1935

Image courtesy of "The Lexi James Collection" 

 

 

 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Clematis ~ 3525 (circa1931)

 

C.W. Handcraft Clematis Revo Bowl - marked Handcraft - pattern 3525

 sponged mustard matt ground - production era 1931 - 1935

Image courtesy of "The Lexi James Collection" 

 

 

C.W. Handcraft Clematis Vase - marked Handcraft - pattern 3545

  sponged mustard matt ground - production era 1931 - 1935

Image courtesy of "The Lexi James Collection" 

 

 There are two pattern number attributed to the Handcraft Clematis Pattern, 3525 and 3545, both of which are shown above. These are very similar, the ground is the same, the only difference I can detect is that flowers on 3545 (the vase above) are darker in colour than those on 3525 (revo bowl two above). I have handled at least 7 examples of from several collections and after discussion with the curators of these collections I feel confident that this is only variation.   

 

 

 

Carlton Ware Handcraft New Delphinium ~ 3526 (circa 1931)

 

C.W. New Delphinium Revo Bowl - marked Handcraft - pattern 3526

production era 1931 - 1935 - sponged blue matt ground

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

 

 

 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Eclipse ~ 3551 (circa 1931)

 

C.W. Handcraft Eclipse Coffee Cup & Saucer - pattern 3551

burnt orange gloss ground - production era 1931 to 1935

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

 

 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Deco Fan ~ 3552 (circa 1931)

 

C.W. Handcraft Deco Fan Coffee Cup & Saucer - pattern 3552

burnt orange gloss ground - production era 1931 to 1935

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

 

 

 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Strata ~ 3553 (circa 1931)

C.W. Handcraft Strata Coffee Pot - pattern 3553

matt black ground - production era 1931 to 1935

Image Courtesy of "The Parnell Collection"   

 

 

 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Entangled Droplets ~ 3555 (circa 1931)

C.W, Handcraft Entangled Droplets Coffee Pot - pattern 3555

sponged blue lustre ground - production era 1931 to 1935

Image courtesy of "The Parnell Collection"

 

 

 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Tree & Cottage ~ 3563 (circa 1931)

Carlton Ware Handcraft Tree & Cottage Bowl - pattern 3563

matt white ground - production era 1931 to 1935

Image courtesy of "The Parnell Collection"

 

 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Tree & Cottage Revo Bowl - pattern 3563

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

 

 

 

 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Geometrica ~ 3566 (circa 1931)

"Pattern attributed to Violet Elmer"

 

C.W. Handcraft Geometrica Fish Bowl Vase - marked Handcraft - pattern 3566

matt light blue ground - production era 1931 - 1935

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

 

 

 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Russian ~ 3567 (circa 1931)

C.W. Handcraft Russian Fish Bowl Vase - marked Handcraft - pattern 3576

matt cream ground - production era 1931 - 1935

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

 

 

 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Nightingale Garden ~ 3568 (circa 1931)

 

C.W. Handcraft Nightengale Garden Tri-handle Vase - marked handcraft - pattern 3568

tow tone blue & black mat ground - production era 1931

Image courtesy of "The Parnell Collection" 

This is the only example of this pattern that is known to exist.

 

 

 

 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Green Trees ~ 3569 ( circa 1931)

C.W. Handcraft Green Trees Vase - marked Handcraft - pattern 3569

lime green lustre ground - production era 1931 - 1935

 

 

 

 

 Carlton Ware Handcraft Hiawatha ~ 3589 (circa 1931)

"Pattern attributed to Violet Elmer"

 

C.W. Handcraft Hiawatha Jug –  pattern 3589

 matt black ground - production era  1931 - 1932

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection" 

 

 

C.W. Handcraft Hiawatha Vase - pattern 3590

matt speckled powder blue ground  - production era 1931 - 1932

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

 

 

 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Gazania ~ 3592 (circa 1931)

 

C.W. Handcraft Gazania Revo Bowl - marked Handcraft - pattern 3592

yellow lustre ground - production era 1931 - 1935

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

 

  

C.W. Handcraft Gazania Candle Holder- pattern 3592

beige ground - production era 1931 to 1935

Image courtesy of "The Parnell Collection" 

 

 

 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Chevron ~ 3657 (circa 1932)

"Pattern attributed to Violet Elmer"

 

C.W. Handcraft Chevron Vase - marked Handcraft - pattern 3657

production era 1932 - 1936 - sage green lustre ground

Image courtesy of "The Lexi James Collection" 

 

 

Pattern also comes in pattern number 3671 which is a burnt orange ground.

 

 

 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Carre ~ 3658 (circa 1932)

C.W. Handcraft Carre Coffee Cup & Saucer - pattern 3658

gloss green ground - production era 1932 to 1936

Image courtesy of "The Parnell Collection"

Please take special note of the handle of the cup - it is in the Bathing Belle shape. This is the only example I have ever seen of this shape with a handcraft pattern on it. It really is quite striking.   

 

C.W. Handcraft Carre Jug - marked Handcraft - pattern 3659

burnt orange lustre ground - production era 1932 - 1936 

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

 

 

 

 Carlton Ware Handcraft Summer Medley ~ 3663 (circa 1932)

"Pattern attributed to Violet Elmer"

 

C.W. Handcraft Summer Medley Charger - 39 cm (16") diameter - marked Handcraft - pattern 3663

matt black ground - production era 1932, very rare

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

 

 

Carlton Ware Handcraft Anemone ~ 3694 (circa 1932)

C.W. Handcraft Anemone Charger - 39 cm (16") diameter - marked Handcraft - pattern 3694

matt black ground - production era 1932 to 1936

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

C.W. Handcraft Anemone Conserve Set - pattern 3694

mottled orange lustre ground - production era 1932 to 1936

Image courtesy of "Dulcie Agnes Joyce Memorial Collection"

Carlton Ware Handcraft Intersection ~ 3690 (circa 1932) 

"Pattern attributed to Violet Elmer"

C.W. Handcraft Intersection Vase - pattern 3690

cream gloss ground - production era 1932 to 1936

Image courtesy of "The Parnell Collection" 

Carlton Ware Primula ~ 3742 (circa 1933)

C.W. Primula Candle Holder - pattern 3742

yellow matt ground - production era 1933 to 1937

Image courtesy of "The Parnell Collection" 

C.W. Primula Vase - pattern 3745

sponged matt lilac ground - production era 1933 to 1937

 Image courtesy of "The Lexi James Collection"

C.W. Primula Jug - pattern 3746

appricot matt ground - production era 1933 to 1937