Popular in Victorian times, a centrepiece was designed to stand on a dining table or sideboard, and convey the theme of the gathering such as Christmas or Easter, as well as the social status of the owner. Often very elaborately made, they can take many forms, including epergnes, sculpture, multi basket containers for fruit or sweetmeats, and large bowls. They have been made in a variety of materials including glass, ceramics, silver, silverplate and bronze. Centrepiece is also the name given to the central feature of an item of jewellery such as a necklace or bracelet.

The Carlton Ware works were set up about 1890 by James Frederick Wiltshaw, James Alcock Robinson & William Herbert Robinson in Stoke-on-Trent, and Carlton Ware was adopted as a trade name in 1894.

About 1890 the company introduced its "Blush Ware" range, with floral designs on delicate pastel coloured backgrounds, sometimes with gilded additions.

In 1911 the partnership was dissolved and James Frederick Wiltshaw became the sole proprietor.

During the 1920s, the company became known for its Art Deco lustre wares, which command high prices today.

Many of the patterns were of imaginative geometric and stylised floral designs, more...

14 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

Carlton Ware lidded urn, black ground decorated with gold and…

Carlton Ware lidded urn, black ground decorated with gold and enamelled stork and tree design, height 18 cm

Wiltshire and Robinson Carlton Ware urn, hen and rooster design…

Wiltshire and Robinson Carlton Ware urn, hen and rooster design lidded urn with seated lion finial (1906-1927), height 31 cm

A black Carlton Ware Japanese design lidded urn, height 30 cm

Black Carlton Ware Japanese Urn, 30cm Height

A black Carlton Ware Japanese design lidded urn, height 30 cm

Antique Carlton Ware and silver plate comport the plate with…

Art Deco Lady Comport with Carlton Ware Plate

Antique Carlton Ware and silver plate comport the plate with floral decoration held up with a silver plate base in the form of a Art Deco lady, height 20 cm.

Wilton Ware ceramic lidded urn gilt oriental scene decoration,…

Wilton Ware Oriental Gilt Lidded Urn, 36 cm

Wilton Ware ceramic lidded urn gilt oriental scene decoration, in the manner of Carlton Ware, with bored hole to base, height 36 cm

Vintage Carlton Ware comport & under plate flower form comport,…

Floral Carlton Ware Comport & Under Plate

Vintage Carlton Ware comport & under plate flower form comport, height 9 cm approx), with floral decorated under plate

A Carlton Ware Chinoiserie lidded urn, damage to lip & crack to…

Damaged Carlton Ware Chinoiserie Lidded Urn, 28 cm

A Carlton Ware Chinoiserie lidded urn, damage to lip & crack to lid, 28 x 16 cm

Carlton Ware 'Forest Tree' lidded urn vase, height 28 cm,…

Carlton Ware Forest Tree Urn Vase

Carlton Ware 'Forest Tree' lidded urn vase, height 28 cm, pattern no. 3244

W & R Carlton Ware comport/urn, 17 cm high

Carlton Ware Comport/Urn, 17cm Height

W & R Carlton Ware comport/urn, 17 cm high

W&R Carlton Ware lidded urn, 16.5 cm high. Persian lake scene,…

Rare Carlton Ware Persian Lake Scene Lidded Urn

W&R Carlton Ware lidded urn, 16.5 cm high. Persian lake scene, very rare

Very large rare Carlton Ware Rouge Royale urn, 50 cm high

50cm Carlton Ware Rouge Royale Urn - Rare Find!

Very large rare Carlton Ware Rouge Royale urn, 50 cm high

Carlton Ware lidded comport, yellow/black background, 13.5 cm…

Rare Carlton Ware Yellow/Black Lidded Comport

Carlton Ware lidded comport, yellow/black background, 13.5 cm high. Very rare

Carlton Ware lidded urn, Mikado

Mikado Carlton Ware Lidded Urn

Carlton Ware lidded urn, Mikado

Carlton Ware 'my garden' twin handled comport

Twin-handled My Garden Comport by Carlton Ware

Carlton Ware 'my garden' twin handled comport