1930s Burleigh Ware ‘Briar’ Design Floral Lidded Biscuit Barrel with Original Wire Handle

This is a charming example of a biscuit barrel in the ‘Briar’ pattern by Burgess & Leigh Ltd under the trade name ‘Burleigh Ware’ and dating to the 1930s.

The barrel is of classic cylindrical form, with a moulded inner lip. It is transfer printed and hand painted on the exterior with a complex floral motif in green, orange, gold, and brown. There are two scalloped lugs, one on either side of the body. These are decorated in racing green with a gilded pattern over the top. It bears the original twisted wire handle, which is wrapped around the lugs.

The lid is discoid and decorated in the same way as the body. There is a central discoid knop decorated like the lugs on the body. The inside of the lid is transfer printed with ‘RD. NO. 443008’.

The base of the body is marked in the centre with the words ‘B & L BURLEIGH WARE’ and ‘RD. NO. 443008’. In addition, it bears the pattern name, which is ‘BRIAR’. This particular mark was in use during the 1930s by Burgess & Leigh Ltd of Hill Pottery, Staffordshire.

It has a maximum height (including the lid) of approximately 15.0cm and a diameter of about 13.5cm.

It is in excellent condition, with no chips or cracks, although there is some crazing to the glaze and some very minor wear to the gilding on the body.