Mystery Maker Marked "Rona Murphy"

 

 

Designer	Rona Murphy
Maker	Rona Murphy
Marks	Inscribed signature  “Rona Murphy” to base
Description	Heavy clay, hand thrown bowl.  Flat base with spur marks.  Thick green exterior colour with clear glaze over entire exterior.  Shaped and folded tab handle with large section attached to side of bowl.
Number
Production Date	Possibly late 1930s
Width	90mm
Depth	55mm
Length (with handle)	125mm
Weight	270gm
Volume	250ml
Acquisition	Waverly Antique Centre 29 Oct 2011
Rameking Reference Number	RMU 001 RMU 002 RMU 003 RMU 004

Little information on her at this time.  Rona is believed to be Victorian and worked possibly in the late 1930s.  She appears to have had a small output of well-made domestic pottery, mainly vases with a few kitchen canisters and these ramekins.  Clay appears to be from Preston quarry.  No information in standard reference.  It could be that Rona found a niche for her wares during the great depression when other potteries were closing down.  She appears to have had a limited colour range, mainly dark green exterior with dark harlequin glaze to interior.  Similar colour to that used by Stanislaw Halpern on some of his jugs.  Unusual handles, similar to some Picton Hopkins, being a flat section folded and attached down the side.  There are two Rona Murphies on the Electoral Rolls, one a Typist, the other Home Duties.  Which is which?  Any other information would be appreciated.