Massive Moorcroft collection featured at Fairfield Auction May 23
Moorcroft Claremont Toadstool teapot with silver overlay. Estimate: $2,500-$3,500. Fairfield Auction image
MONROE, Conn. – The Jean Stauffer collection of Moorcroft Pottery will be sold without reserve May 23 at Fairfield Auction. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.
Stauffer became a devotee of Moorcroft after a chance discovery of a Pomegranate pattern vase in an antique store whereupon she embarked on a three-decade journey, acquiring over 200 examples in some of the most sought-after patterns including Claremont, Moonlit Blue, Hazeldene, Spanish, Cornflower, Eventide, Wisteria and Brown Chrysanthemum.
Moorcroft Moonlit blue vase. Estimate: $1,200-$1,800. Fairfield Auction image
It includes silver mounted Claremont and Eventide pieces, a four-piece Brown Chrysanthemum tea set, an early and monumental 18-inch Pomegranate vase circa 1913, a 12-inch Florian violet vase, and a rare miniature Florian “Christmas/New Year’s Greeting” mug.
Moorcroft Florian Christmas loving cup. Estimate: $500-$700. Fairfield Auction image
“We were astonished by the breadth, quality and condition of this collection discovered in an unassuming Connecticut farmhouse. Mrs. Stauffer managed to acquire so many top-flight examples. Her passion, dedication and scholarship shine through the collection,” said Jack DeStories, Fairfield Auction president.
Moorcroft brown Chrysanthemum vase. Estimate: $1,800-$2,400. Fairfield Auction image
Moorcroft Pottery owes its reputation to the innovative designs pioneered by William Moorcroft, first as an employee of James Macintyre & Co. and later under his own company. His technical skill and ability to anticipate public taste brought him critical and commercial success and made his work among the best-loved of all English pottery.
Moorcroft Wisteria with plums vase. Estimate: $1,500-$2,500. Fairfield Auction image
The 700-lot auction will start Wednesday, May 23, at 11 a.m. Eastern Time.
