Very decorative, high Art Nouveau pair of Royal Doulton stoneware vases by Eliza Simmance c1903. The vases are of footed baluster-form with everted, undulating rim. Highly stylised tubelined design of flower stems around the body on an attractive blue and ochre ground. Deep blue inside rim. Impressed Royal Doulton Lambeth mark used 1902-1922. Signed with artists' monograms for Eliza Simmance (E within an S) and Bessy Newbery (BN), together with assistant's monograms: F for Catherine Francis and d/p (unknown). The vases measure 27.5 cm in height.
 
Eliza Simmance, one of the earliest artists engaged, worked at Doulton Lambeth as an artist and designer between 1873 and 1928. She quickly became recognised as an original and versatile designer - winning many high awards at international exhibitions. Her work remains highly collectible. Bessie Newbery was listed in 1882 as a junior assistant but her talent was recognised, and she was promoted to senior assistant. By 1911 she was working as a supervisor and artist, designing original work. Catherine Francis worked at Doulton as an assistant between 1887 and 1904 - dating these vases to between 1902 and 1904.