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.

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.

“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 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.

The 700-lot auction will start Wednesday, May 23, at 11 a.m. Eastern Time.

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