By Louise Irvine
One of the most striking Art Nouveau designs at WMODA is a Royal Doulton jardinière and pedestal inspired by the famous American artist, Will Bradley (1868-1962). Nicknamed the “Dean of American Designers”, Bradley was the highest-paid American illustrator of the early 20th century. Charles J. Noke, Royal Doulton’s Art Director, clearly appreciated Bradley’s work and adapted his illustrations of Beauty and the Beast for the Morrisian ware collection launched in 1903.
The Royal Doulton designs are derived from Bradley, His Book, a magazine compilation of stories, songs and sketches published privately by the artist for his Wayside Press in 1896. In the fourth issue, Bradley illustrated his version of the fairytale Beauty and the Beast, described as a “spectacular extravaganza in 2 acts, 10 scenes and 7 songs”. Bradley’s illustrations appear throughout the magazine’s 62 pages and tell the story of Beauty whose love for the Beast releases him from enchantment and he becomes a handsome prince. Devil as a Strolling Minstrel, and his Imps of Hell are banished by a good fairy and love is triumphant.
The serpentine line and embroidered detail of Bradley’s drawings perfectly captured the spirit of Art Nouveau. He was often likened to Aubrey Beardsley although his style was less sinister. His sinuous illustrations full of whiplash curves unfold around the Royal Doulton jardinière at WMODA. The scenes are faithfully translated from the original book and depict Beauty and the Prince in the Beast’s rose garden with his palace in the background, the Devil with Beauty’s maid, and the new lovers embracing.
The decorative scenes were printed on the jardinière using the flow blue technique to give a soft painterly effect and set against a glistening gold sky. The borders were derived from the Kelmscott Chaucer published by William Morris in 1896 to celebrate the art of bookmaking. Bradley was a great admirer of Morris and published tributes to the Victorian artist, poet, and craftsman when he died in October 1896. No doubt Charles Noke was familiar with these articles as the woodcut foliate borders inspired his Morrisian ware.
Royal Doulton’s Morrisian designs were produced in deep cobalt flow blue and a honey-colored Holbein glaze. The range included wall plates, vases and ornamental jugs, as well as large jardinières and umbrella stands. Noke added proverbs to the characters from Bradley’s Beauty and the Beast for his Series ware collection in 1905. The Morrisian ware range also included Bradley style golfers and scenes of dancing maidens with garlands.
Although successful, Bradley, His Book was a short-lived venture as the artist sold his publishing company due to a breakdown caused by overwork. He was the illustrator, editor, typographer, designer, and press manager for his periodical, as well as providing illustrations for the Chap Book magazine. Bradley went on to produce posters and magazine advertisements which brought him widespread recognition and popularity as a pioneer of American Art Nouveau. His later career was spent in the film business and he founded his own production company. He was a prolific artist and designer right up until his death at the age of 94.
Read more about Bradley and Royal Doulton Series Ware in Volume 1 of Louise Irvine’s reference reference book which is available from the WMODA Museum Shop.
