Hannah Barlow (1851-1916) and Florence Barlow (1855-1909), also known as the Barlow Sisters, were British ceramic artists who worked at the Doulton & Co. pottery in Lambeth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were renowned for their contributions to Doulton’s decorative stoneware, especially their distinctive hand-incised and painted designs featuring animals and natural themes.
After studying at Lambeth School of Art, Hannah Barlow started work for Doulton in 1871. She was the first female artist employed by Doulton, with Florence following shortly after in 1873. Hannah was the only artist at Doulton Lambeth who specialised in sgraffito (incised decoration), where she carved intricate animal designs directly into the clay before firing. Her detailed, lifelike depictions of horses, deer, dogs and farm animals in naturalistic settings are instantly recognisable. Hannah often worked in collaboration with other Doulton artists, including her sister Florence.
In contrast to Hannah’s work, Florence Barlow focused on hand-painted designs rather than incising, often of birds and flowers, using delicate colour palettes and precise brushwork. Her work complemented Hannah’s by adding colour and detailed hand-painted elements to the pottery. Unlike many artists who worked individually, the Barlow Sisters sometimes collaborated on pieces together, with Hannah incising animals and Florence painting backgrounds or decorative floral elements. This teamwork resulted in highly detailed and multi-layered designs that seamlessly blended textures and colours.
Around 1878, as they both found their own individual styles, the sisters came to an arrangement when creating their pieces. Florence would focus on depicting birds, earning her the nickname “Birdie Barlow”, while Hannah would concentrate on depicting all other animals (namely mammals). Hannah had a gift for accurately incising her designs, drawn from real-life observation, completely from memory. This made her a very fast worker, usually decorating several pots a day. Florence mastered the pâte-sur-pâte technique for her stoneware designs. This remained her primary decorative style throughout her career.
Together, Hannah and Florence Barlow helped define Doulton Lambeth’s artistic legacy, making it a leader in Victorian art pottery. Their work elevated the company’s reputation from an industrial pottery to a major player in the Arts and Crafts movement, emphasising handcraftsmanship and natural themes. Their pieces are highly collectible today, especially those featuring their signature animal and nature designs due to their craftsmanship, historical significance and rarity.
Check out just some of the wonderful Doulton Lambeth Barlow Sisters pieces we have coming up for auction as part of our March Auction of 20th Century Rare Ceramics, Collectables, Jewellery & Furniture.
This small Florence Barlow for Doulton Lambeth Pate sur Pate stoneware vase is decorated all around with flowers, leaves and a bird on a branch, with the border decorated by Eliza Simmance. It’s set to sell for £125-£250.
Lot 546 is a Florence Barlow for Doulton Lambeth Pate sur Pate Stoneware Lemonade jug, decorated all around with a bird feeding chicks on branches. It’s estimated to sell for £200-£400.
This Florence Barlow for Doulton Lambeth Stoneware single handled jug decorated with birds on a bough has an estimate of £150-£300.
This Florence Barlow for Royal Doulton Lambeth Stoneware Jardiniere features moulded Art Nouveau motifs on a mottled green and brown ground and is looking to sell for £150-£300.
Lot 627 is a Florence Barlow for Doulton Lambeth vase that features a panel of a Pate sur Pate bird on a branch with scrolling foliage borders and is set to sell for £300-£500.
This Hannah Barlow for Doulton Lambeth Stoneware Lemonade jug features sgraffito all around of goats and donkeys. It comes with an estimated sale price of £200-£400.
Lot 551 is a Hannah Barlow for Doulton Lambeth Stoneware tea pot with rabbit sgraffito all around. This charming piece is looking to sell for £200-£400.
This Hannah Barlow for Doulton Lambeth a Stoneware jar & cover features incised decoration of cats all around. This lot is looking to find a new home for £200-£400.
Lot 631 is a large Hannah Barlow for Doulton Lambeth twin-handled Stoneware vase. Incised with a deer scene and geometric forms, it comes with an estimate of £200-£400.
This delightful piece of pen on paper original drawing by Hannah Barlow is titled ‘In The Pond’. Framed behind glass with a fitted titled mount, it’s initialled ‘HBB’ and dated ‘1870’. The estimate is £50-£100.
How to sell Barlow Sisters Pottery at auction
At Potteries Auctions, we identify and provide valuations to help get the best value for your items.
Please get in touch if you’re looking for an expert evaluation and to sell your Barlow Sisters pottery. Free valuation days are held every Tuesday at our Silverdale saleroom and every Thursday at our Cobridge saleroom. To book an appointment, use our online booking form here.
Due to popular demand, we have also started to offer a private valuation service for premium items. Please contact us directly to arrange an appointment by emailing amy@potteriesauctions.com.
You can also email us at enquiries@potteriesauctions.com or call us on +44 (0)1782 638100. Valuations can even be provided via WhatsApp – send some clear images of your items via the app to 07864 667940.