Eric Ravilious, born in 1903, was a celebrated British watercolour painter, illustrator, mural artist, and engraver. His works captured the essence of mid-20th-century British life, and Eric Ravilious Wedgwood pieces remain highly coveted by collectors.
As one of the most distinguished artists to work with the iconic pottery manufacturer, Eric Ravilious Wedgwood pieces are consistently in demand at auction.
A group of rare Eric Ravilious Wedgwood tankards (credit: Rennart)
His Artistic Journey
Ravilious began his formal education at the Royal College of Art, studying under the tutelage of Paul Nash. Known for his distinctive style, Ravilious had an acquired taste. Unlike many artists of his time, he shied away from the colour green, and the intensity of bright sunlight didn’t appeal to him either. As a result, much of his watercolour work is defined by its muted tones, often depicting grey, overcast skies. His works emanate a sense of calm, perhaps in response to the rapid industrial and social changes of the time.
‘The Westbury Horse’ by Eric Ravilious, 1939, watercolour on paper (credit: The Telegraph)
Notably, it was his collaboration with Wedgwood that introduced his work to a wider audience. Ravilious was commissioned by the Royal Warrant-certified manufacturer in 1936. One of his early Wedgwood designs, the dinner set Persephone, displayed his ability to merge functionality with art. However, it was in 1937, with the creation of his Alphabet set, that Eric Ravilious Wedgwood designs truly began to resonate with the public.
The Iconic Wedgwood Alphabet Set
Eric Ravilious Wedgwood pottery Alphabet mug, sold for £520
Eric Ravilious’ Alphabet Set was initially designed with a younger demographic in mind, but it found its greatest success among adult collectors. The combination of whimsical yet refined lettering, accompanied by Ravilious’ signature quirky numerals and arches, quickly gained popularity. Even today, Eric Ravilious Wedgwood pieces like these continue to be highly sought after in the auction world, as they hold both historical and artistic value.
Commemorative Mugs & Wedgwood Masterpieces
Ravilious’ work with Wedgwood extended beyond just dinnerware and plates. He designed a series of commemorative coronation mugs, which became some of his most enduring works for the brand. The first of these was a design to mark the coronation of Edward VIII. However, due to his abdication, the mug was never produced. In 1937, Ravilious reworked this design for George VI’s coronation, and this piece became one of his most iconic works for Wedgwood.
These coronation mugs not only marked royal milestones but also captured the essence of Ravilious’ distinctive style. When Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne in 1952, Wedgwood once again reworked one of his original coronation mugs to commemorate her crowning in 1953. The popularity of Eric Ravilious Wedgwood designs in the years following his death in 1942 is a testament to the timeless appeal of his artistry.
Eric Ravilious Wedgwood 1953 commemorative Coronation mug, sold for £200
While Ravilious’ collaboration with Wedgwood lasted only from 1936 to 1940, it produced a remarkable body of work that continues to be celebrated by collectors today. His designs for the company were unique and unlike anything seen before, making them highly prized by both Wedgwood enthusiasts and art collectors alike. Eric Ravilious Wedgwood pieces, particularly his Alphabet mugs, are often sold in auction rooms, where they can fetch anywhere between £250 to £500, depending on their condition and rarity.
Eric Ravilious Wedgwood King Edward VIII (1937) Commemorative Coronation Mug (credit: Brighton & Hove Museums)
Among the rarest and most valuable of his Wedgwood creations are the early commemorative Coronation mugs. The original mug designed for George VI’s coronation, with its blue and yellow colouring, is considered particularly rare. One of these mugs was sold at auction for £850 in 2018. Even rarer still is a version sold in blue and orange that was sold in Fortnum & Mason, which fetched an impressive £1,100 in 2022.
Eric Ravilious Wedgwood at Auction
Eric Ravilious Wedgwood Queensware mug, £700 – £1,400
At Potteries Auctions, we regularly feature Eric Ravilious designs in our sales. On March 7th, we will be auctioning a rare Eric Ravilious Wedgwood Queensware mug. This particular piece commemorates a significant moment in Wedgwood’s history—the relocation of the Wedgwood factory from Etruria to Barlaston in 1940.
Looking to Sell Your Eric Ravilious Collections?
One of the primary reasons Eric Ravilious Wedgwood items fetch such high prices at auction is their historical value. Wedgwood, with its long-standing reputation for quality, has produced pieces that not only capture the artistic spirit of the time but also represent British craftsmanship.
Given the continued interest in Eric Ravilious Wedgwood at auction, it’s clear that his work has had a lasting impact on the world of ceramics. As such, you can contact us at 01782 638100 or email at enquiries@potteriesauctions.com to arrange a valuation on your Eric Ravilious pieces with one of our experts. Alternatively, you can book your free valuation yourself at the link here