Brightly coloured 1930s Art Deco bowl from Pilkington’s Royal Lancastrian range. Orange-vermilion glaze characterised by vermilion speckles over an orange ground. Black streaks externally and internally to bowl, producing an almost metallic-like lustre. Impressed Royal Lancastrian mark used 1930 to c1938. Shaped number 2228. The bowl is 21 cm in diameter and 8 cm in height.
 
As manufacturers of decorative tiles, Pilkington's made the first steps in establishing what was to become their pottery department in 1898. Initially they developed crystalline and opalescent glazes which were discontinued after a few years. Subsequent years saw their range of glazes extended under the influence of successive ceramic chemists. During the early 1930's the pottery department experienced a number of setbacks which together with poor financial returns resulted in its closure in 1937. Whilst originally developed in 1905, Pilkington’s orange-vermilion glaze suited the tastes of the Art Deco era when it became popular. The distribution of vermilion crystals was not always predictable with pieces often showing clumping. Other variations included streaking – sometimes applied and sometimes a result of different firing techniques.