Hannah Barlow Paintings

Hannah Bolton Barlow was an English artist best known for her work as a ceramicist, particularly for her incised designs on stoneware pottery. She was born on May 13, 1851, in Church Row, Lambeth, London, into a family who encouraged the artistic talents of their children. Hannah was one of the five Barlow siblings who showed significant artistic promise from a young age. She began her artistic education at the Lambeth School of Art and later at the National Art Training School in South Kensington.

Hannah's career took a definitive turn when she became one of the first women to be employed by the Doulton pottery factory in Lambeth in 1871. Her employment there marked a significant step for women in the field of ceramic art, which was, at the time, dominated by male artists. At Doulton, Hannah developed a distinct style characterized by her incised decorations of animals, which she observed at the London Zoo. She often sketched directly from life, capturing the movement and vitality of her subjects, which ranged from farm animals to exotic creatures. These sketches were then translated into her designs on the pottery.

Hannah Barlow remained with Doulton for her entire career, which spanned over four decades. During this period, she collaborated with her sister Lucy, who was also an accomplished artist at Doulton. Hannah's work received critical acclaim and was exhibited at international exhibitions, including the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. She became well-known for her ability to imbue her ceramic pieces with a sense of individual personality and life, making her work highly sought after by collectors.

Despite her success, Hannah led a relatively private life. She never married and dedicated herself entirely to her art and her family. She retired from Doulton in 1913 due to ill health and passed away three years later on August 5, 1916. Hannah Barlow's legacy continues to influence the field of ceramic arts, and her work is still celebrated for its innovative techniques and the charming portrayal of the animal kingdom.