McHugh Pottery-The Erin May Collection

Tasmanian Artware Pottery from the 30's

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Erin May
That would be lovely Helen, it's always nice to see different styles of pottery especially from that 1920's-30's period, might as well add in a photo of the McHugh too, always keen to see them. my email address is [email protected] look forward to seeing them. PS, the collection is named after my daughter and i am Robert :)
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H Henry
Thanks for your comments Erin, and congratulations on your impressive extensive catalogue of works! This vase belonged to my mother who herself was a novice, but competent, potter in the 1930s. I have many of her pieces on display which I love. I always assumed this McHugh vase was one of hers until recently when I saw the inscription on the base. I used to have a stall at a well known collectables fair in Sydney and several pottery collectors admired my mother's works but couldn't figure out the potter's name from her signature! For a bit of fun, I sometimes left them to ponder, then revealed "she was my mother"! If you're interested I could send you a photo of some pieces. Helen
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Erin May commented on Vase - Shape 64
It's not what you call a rare shape, but you don't see quite so many of them show up, it's good that yours is in mint condition :)
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H Henry commented on Vase - Shape 64
I have a Shape 64 vase in brown/gold tan in mint condition
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Julie
Thanks Erin for such a helpful and prompt reply. I really appreciate it. Best wishes.
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Erin May
Morning Julie, probably the best gauge of value for your vase would be to look at a site like eBay, both the 'sold' and 'for sale' prices could help you out. you've said yours is in excellent condition which is good as any chips and cracks affects the price quite a bit. A nice bright colour combination always make a piece more appealing too. A quick look at eBay this morning seems to show the price could vary anywhere between $100 - $200 but it could always sell for more or less on the day .
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Julie
Hi Erin, I have a Shape 9 vase (brown & gold/tan) in excellent condition. Would you have an idea of its value? Many thanks.
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Deb
Hi. My great-grandfather was Walter Henry nunn, a thrower at mchughs pottery. I have only recently discovered he was at mchughs. We always knew him to have worked at Campbell's pottery. I am now obsessed with mchughs but can not find a to of information. I am.getting one of Ro ert Floreys books from him but o e question I can not readily find an answer to it purely the pottery markings. Where can I find more information on the markings and numbers please
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Erin May
Hi Michele, I think there might be a typo in your question :) but you can certainly send me a picture or two, my email address is [email protected] look forward to seeing it, cheers
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Michele
Hi Erin I picked up this lovely little jug recently and wondered if could identify the drain number of the piece.many thanks
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Erin May
It may be a different ‘McHugh’ from the date Brian, but i’d Still love to see the photo, you could send it to [email protected] Cheers
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Brian
I found this lamp base in a dark green glaze star shape.Its signed J.Mc Hugh 1975
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Gregory Hill commented on Single Majolica Shoe
Bendigo made a lot of these. It's almost definitely theirs.
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Greg CONDON
Hello Robert, Yes l think that the no. 6 and no.7 according to the glaze are also DSP. Also l think there must be a connection somehow between the potteries as l have DSP pieces and some are marked with the model number only and that number matches some the McHugh numbers. Regards Greg
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Erin May
Thanks for the thoughts Greg, I thought this myself too, the only concern I had was that it is quite thinly potted, and the little indentations where the stilts held it in the kiln show a whiteish clay, either way it's got some nice colours and even though it's not a McHugh piece I added it in because of the similarity of the shape. there is a No.7 vase( AW07.08) and a No.6 vase (AW06.19) which are dead ringers for a McHugh, but the glaze is completely different, and there's a weird No. 37 (AW37.09) which must have been inspired by the McHugh version, All things to keep me thinking. Hope you're well, I'm starting to miss my trips to the antique fairs and Collectables shops!, this 'isolation' thing has nibs on it :)
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Greg CONDON commented on Vase - Shape 4
Robert, I believe this to be a Disabled Soldiers Pottery piece. Regards Greg
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Erin May
Hi Katriana, i’m not sure if I can help, they don’t sound like McHugh pieces but i’m more than happy to have a look. If you can send me a photo or two to [email protected] i’ll see if I can come up with any suggestions. Cheers Robert
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Katrina
Hi, I was wondering if ANYONE can help me please, or even point me in the right direction. I have a pair of possibly early 1900's textured swan planters. They are a beige colour but possibly because of age. They are unmarked except for a blue base with L and R carved into the base when they were being produced (not stamped but carved). I obtained them from Tasmania (from my grandmothers estate) in the late 1990s but I know nothing about them. Would love to learn how to find out more about them. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I have been trying to look on Google for days now with no luck. Thanks
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Erin May
Good to hear from you Craig, there must be quite a few pots and vases tucked in family cupboards all over the place, The shape 22 isn't that rare or unusual and they will often come up for sale on eBay and at auction houses, it is a large one though, at 19cm it would be the biggest of the size 22's that they made . I have quite a few vases that have an 'X' along with the shape number, but as yet I've not worked out what it means. The vase would have been made in the early to mid 1930's. I'm always happy to see pictures of pottery, you can send them to [email protected]. Value is a hard thing to predict, it would be fair to say that Australian pottery in general has come down in value over the last few years, but an unusual shape or colour will still get a good price. Condition is important with no chips or cracks though it's not uncommon to find manufacturing blemishes and glaze blisters on the pieces.
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Craig Grant
Hi Erin, I am new to this and my wife has just showed me a McHugh vase. It is basically blue in colour and is inscribe on the bottom H. McHugh Tasmania 22 X. It is about 19.5cm high. I know nothing more about the piece except that it is unmarked as inherited from her mother. I have pictures. Your advice would be appreciated please. Thanks for such an informative website.
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Erin May
Hi Leigh, small imperfections were probably part and parcel of the pottery produced at McHugh's though if there was an unsightly glaze issue or something caused damage during the firing they could certainly have sold it as a second. maybe a photo of the crease would help me decide if it would detract from it's value, you could send a photo or two to [email protected] cheers
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Leigh Sinclair
Have a 1935 Blue & yellow shape 53 McHugh vase which has a sort of crease mark on it, about 5 cm in lth, and am wondering if this could have been sold as a 'second' or would it detract from its value.
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Erin May
Andrew and Adrian, I don't recall seeing you messages or answering them, I'm very sorry, I normally get a message sent to my email address to say that I've been contacted, but I don't think it happened, or they got misplaced. Andrew, I'm more than happy to see any piece of pottery, just contact me at [email protected] with the photos. Adrian, the shape 48 vase is a good sized vase that only came in the one size (that I know of). It's marked 1935 and that's pretty much when McHugh's art pottery was at its peak, most of the pottery found today comes from the 1930-36 period. They had two throwers at McHugh's for many years and there's a good chance it was made by either Leo McAuley or Harry Nunn. If I can help in any other way please get in touch again Cheers Robert
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Adrian Marston
Hi Erin Ive come across a beautifull McHugh shape 48 vase. Its a browny bronze colour. Stamped very clearly on the botton, says 1935. Just curious to know more about it. Not that im selling, my wife will love it. Is it valuble. Cheers Adrian
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Andrew
Hi I have a shape 41 McHugh's that has 42 on the bottom in blue pink and yellow. Is there any way u could have a look at it please ?
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Robyn Sykes
Can you email me please :)
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Robyn Sykes
Hi Erin, I have a really unusual piece marked Mc Hugh. I was wondering what you think about it? Cheers Robyn
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Erin May
Kerri-Anne hi, glad you found the web site. I haven’t as yet,had to worry about selling any of the pottery i’ve Collected along the way, that,ll just be a headache for the family to work out in a few years time :) I guess the only suggestion i’d Have would be to look at selling it through Ebay or Gumtree, keep an eye on the prices that others are looking for and give it a go. The shape 21 is nice, made in around 3 sizes. The smallest size is the most common. If it’s in good condition with no chips, cracks or restoration it’s better. A nice, good strong colour will also help. As you,ll have seen I have a few in the collection and it would need to be one of the more unusual colour combinations for myself. If you think it’s worth it, you can always send me a photo to [email protected]. Hope that helps a little.
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Kerri-Anne
Hi Erin, We have been cleaning out my grandmothers cupboards and I have found a bowl with 'H McHugh Tasmania 1935' on the bottom, shape 21. Its in good condition with a few marks and crazing. I would like to sell this for her. Any ideas how I might go about this? Thanks for your help! Kerri-Anne
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Erin May
It's hard to know how many were made Jean, they would have been made over a period of some six - eight years, you do see them turn up at auctions fairly often, the Kelpie is more common than the Spaniel. The Kelpie is most often seen in the brown glazes with a slightly golden collar on a green base. Many were signed, but not all, and the Campbell's pottery also made the Kelpie door stop, They do tend to suffer from a bit of abuse with damage to the ears, teeth and tongue.
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Jean Fuller commented on Kelpie Door Stop
How many of the kelpie door stops were made
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Erin May
Hi Cheryl, yes there are a few pieces that seem to have two separate numbers or letters for the same shape piece. If you look at the un-numbered pieces in the collection you'll see a similar rose bowl in green and lavender which Is marked with a 'J' . All designed to confuse us collectors :)
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Cheryl
Hi Erin, I have a similar Rose Bowl No 18?? to the one pictured here only mine is not marked 18, it has a J under Tasmania and is a more mottled brown/caramel colour. Regards Cheryl
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Erin May
Grant, good to hear from you, It would be fair to say that most collectors look out for the colourful vases, but there are a few sad cases like myself that are happy to look at any old gully trap, pipe or gutter tile. Living in Victoria means it a little less likely for me to come across these bits and pieces and not that many people would give them a second look and toss them out. I don't know what part of Tassie you're in and I don't have an example of a T connector yet, what size of pipe does it fit?. I can't say I've seen too many pipes that were dated as well as having the pottery stamp. 1968 was pretty much 'stumps' for McHugh's, they became Humes pretty much when your pipe was made. Is it in pretty good nick? Maybe you could send me a couple of photos at [email protected] I'd love to see it. Cheers Robert
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GRANT
Hi Erin. I found a McHugh pottery t piece sewer connector on my farm in Tasmania. I was about to put it on a pile of old tin to hold it down when I noticed the makers mark and later a date stamp 23 sep 1968.Just wondering if there is an interest in such an item and the best way to sell sell such a great piece of tassie history
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Erin May
Ashlley, I can't say I'm any sort of expert on John Campbell's pottery, though I have obviously seen quite a few pieces through my travels. If you want to send me a photo of your vase at [email protected] I could give it my best shot. Cheers
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Ashlley
Hello, may I ask about my little vase, and how can I send a photo? It says 'From the Log Cabin Marysville' on the front and is signed 'John Campbell Tasmania' on the base. It measures about 9cm high. There do seem to be some defects in the glaze and two marks inside where it must have rested on something in the kiln. Could you tell me its age and value? Thank you
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Erin May
Leigh, I think I was shown one once in a garden in Launceston, though my memory of it is a bit vague, it wasn't wired to work, more just a decoration for the garden. I'd be interested to see a couple of photos of the one you have, they certainly haven't shown up much that's for sure. my address is [email protected]
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Leigh
Hi, Do you know of any sewer pipes that were made into a light house at McHughs that are in existence. My grandparents lived close to the factory and I have an example of the lighthouse that survived.
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Erin May
BOOK RELEASE: Sorry that i've not been able to keep the web site up to date recently, i've spent the last year or so putting together a book on the history of the pottery. I sent it off to the printers yesterday , a hardback A4 book of 200 pages lavishly illustrated with photographs from both private and museum pottery collections around Australia, including: price lists, photographs of the pottery workers, historical advertising and a gallery of their wares. I'm hoping to pick up the books in the next 6-8 weeks and they will be available for purchase for $85.00 plus $20 packageing and postage within Australia. I can be contacted at [email protected] or mobile 0415577960. It would make a great addition to any Aussie pottery collectors bookshelf and a nice companion book to Kevin Power's history of the Campbell's pottery I'll now try and get the web site up to date, there's a few to put up :)
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Erin May
Tina, sorry for the late reply, it's been a couple of busy days :) It's been hard to follow the prices on Australian pottery recently, generally the average pieces have been selling for a bit less than a few years ago. The more unusual pieces like yours tend to be a bit hard to pick, a year or so ago a dog similar to yours sold for around $2,500 at auction and then in the last 6 months or so I saw one not get a bid on eBay at $2,000. I think there was another put on Ebay with a chipped tooth and tongue a little while ago for around $1,000 but I don't remember seeing if it sold or not. It's hard to say but it's best if there are no chips, the tongue and teeth often get a bit knocked about. You'd like to think that it would fetch between $1500-$2000, but who knows!
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Tina
I've had the 'brown kelpie on green base' doorstop for over seventy years - any idea how much it's worth?
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Natalie
Thank you Erin much appreciated it is signed H McHugh Tasmania
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Erin May
Natalie from what you've told me I would date the jug from the late 1920's to the mid to late 1930's Cheers
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Natalie
Hi Erin I have a Green McHugh Face Jug like the brown one wondering if you know an age to it please I currently have it on auction thank you
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Erin May
Hi Dean good to hear from you. if it's the same colour, shape and size of the one in the collection I'd have to say that I've not seen too many turn up at auction. It's quite possible that it's not the sort of thing most people are looking for and you'd have to be a pretty serious collector of McHugh pottery or have a weird bent for collecting toilet bowls :) is it marked? it's not the sort of thing that would be easy to pack and post either. Looking back at what I paid for mine I'd say I paid a premium because I'm a pretty keen collector of McHugh pottery that didn't have one and I've probably got a weird bent too! I'd hate to even think what the value of it is, it could range from very little to a reasonable amount. they are fairly uncommon to see though. I'd still be interested to see a photo of it from an interest point of view. [email protected] should get it to me. sorry I couldn't be of much more help.
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Dean
Hi i have a cottage pan like the one you have listed,just wondering about the rarity of this and an approx value.thanks
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Erin May
Julie, does it look as though the two pieces were made for each other? are the glazes the same? if the ball posy covers any unglazed parts of the larger vase they should look ok together. Some photos would be nice to see If you'd like to send them to [email protected] Cheers.
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Julie B commented on Posy Vase
I have a green one of these with the number 33 ball inside the colour does not go all the way inside the vase as the ball fits inside. Would like to sell it.
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Sue
Thanks for your prompt reply Erin. The vase is in excellent condition and the glaze is really bright. By looking at the photos on here I would say condition wise it's very similar to your blue and gold shape 30 except if I had to describe the gold on mine it is more like abstract blobs. I realise they are all different and it would have been quite intriguing to see how each piece was going to turn out. You have a great collection and thanks for such a wonderful and informative site.
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Erin May
Sue, sounds like you've pretty much worked it out. The shape 30 vase is a nice one and the deep cobalt blue and golden yellow glaze is one of McHugh's signature glazes. It would most probably have been made around 1933-36. Condition is always important, it would be fair to say the prices for the average Campbell and McHugh pottery pieces has come down a little over the last year or so as can be seen from the asking prices on eBay. keep an eye on these to see how they sell. It's very hard to give a value especially without seeing it, but they seem to sell for around $80- $140.00 Cheers
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Sue
Hi Erin I have recently inherited a rather cute piece of McHugh pottery. It is blue and gold. The bottom is signed McHugh Tasmania 30. I have done a little research and I think it is shape 30. Initially I thought that was the year it was made although I do think it was manufactured in the 1930's. Any info and clarification and it's possible value would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou.
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Tricia
I will have a look at the weekend and get back to you
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Erin May
Tricia, if it's a definite McHugh mug that would be quite unusual. Campbell's would make and mark cups and mugs but I don't think I've see a McHugh one as yet. I'd love to see a photo of it if that's ok. My email address is [email protected]. Thanks for letting me know.
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Tricia
We have one of the large green/brown mugs with grandfathers name on it
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Erin May
Marlene, all I can suggest is the same as for Robyn below. The blue and gold is a nice combination, but one they used quite a lot of. Cheers
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Marlene Bourne commented on Vase - Shape 10
I have one of these vases. How much would it be worth? It is dated 1935 10
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Erin May
Robyn, The shape 10 vase was made in two sizes, 5" and 7" both are fairly common in the green and tan colours. As I've said before I'd use sites like eBay to give you an idea of value. unless it is a really striking colour I guess you'd have to slot it in somewhere between the two that are for sale at the moment, maybe $110-140. But as always it's only what someone's prepared to pay for it and everyone wants a bargain. Cheers
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Robyn
We have a green and amber, shape 10, vase - no visible cracks or flaws. I'm interested to know possible value? Thanks
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Erin May
Sorry Andrew, it's hard to say that a piece is hard to find or rare in a particular glaze colour. The black and gold glaze was used quite a lot and it's a nice combination. More unusual colours found today from McHugh's would be the black & red, yellow & red or more solid pinks. they would be described as unusual or rare in most shapes. You obviously have a very nice vase and you'll never see two vases that are identical due to the way they were made. They are all 'one offs' and judged on their overall look.
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Andrew
Sorry I wasn't very clear I mean is it hard to come by in that shape with those colors
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Erin May
Andrew, I think it would be hard to know the methods they used to determine which glazes were used and when. We take them as we find them.
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Andrew
HI there iv got a shape 24 in black and yellow was it done in those colors much ?
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Erin May
Carol, cracks are never good news. You don't mind living with a small chip here and there if it's a nice or unusual piece, but cracks are a different kettle of fish. It's probably only worth a little more than you paid for it. I have seen the shape 67 vase marked with a letter 'F', see if it looks similar. This shape vase, and float bowls, (shape 55) that have the fairly thin in turned lips do also suffer from hairline cracks in this area.
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carol
Hi Erin May, I picked up a vase from an opshop for $1.00, it stands 13cm high and is navy blue and yellow. It is signed "H? McHUGH TASMANIA" under tasmania is the letter F, it has a crack which has been fixed, any value and what does F mean. Thanking you, Carol
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Erin May
I had a question from 'jfeak81' come through my email address that hasn't shown up here, but I'll answer it anyway. Your cobalt blue and gold shape 24 vase is listed in a price list as a 'vase' even though it is quite small, you wouldn't put anything tall or heavy in it. You don't see quite as many of them around, but I wouldn't say it was a rare piece. The vase was listed as being 4 1/2" tall and in 1936 it would have cost you 9/- to buy a dozen. Hope that helps
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Jenny Vertigan
Thank you for your reply. I love the vases and have no intention of selling them!
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Erin May
Jenny, the answer is going to be pretty similar to Melissa's. They would have been made between 1932-37. the shape 60 did come in a few sizes, the most common being 8" or 200mm tall. When they get over 280mm tall they're less common. They're a nice looking shape and if the colours are nice and bright/strong you'd probably hope to get $200.00 each for them, but the markets fickle, everyone wants a bargain. Keep an eye on EBay to see how pieces are selling.
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Jenny Vertigan
Hi Erin - I have inherited 2 Mchugh pottery vases ( shape no 60) in excellent condition - no chips or cracks. Can you please tell me when they were made and an approximate value.
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Erin May
Melissa, the vase you have certainly sounds like one from the McHugh Bros pottery in Launceston. As it says, 1935 would have been when it was made, most of their pottery you see these days comes from the 1932-1937 period. The number 30 refers to the shape number. If you search the site for 'pottery with shape numbers' you'll find yours. It's not a particularly rare shape, and it all boils down to it's condition (no chips, cracks or repairs) and how vibrant the colours are. Looking on eBay would suggest that most vases are being priced from around $85.00-190.00, so I guess you'd want to get somewhere around the $150-60 mark. Value is always a hard thing to estimate. Cheers
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Melissa
Hi, I have a brown and yellow drip glaze vase that has been handed down to me that resembles quite a few in your collection. It has McHugh, Tasmania written under the base, 1935 and the number 30. I have a friend that has shown interest in purchasing it from me but I am not sure if I want to sell it? Would you be kind enough to help me identify the maker and value. Thanking you in advance, Melissa
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Erin May
Sounds intriguing Michael, maybe you could send me a photo or two at [email protected] They did sign the name with a black ink under the glaze, but that's very uncommon, plus they had the black ink stamp in the shape of Tasmania, but these are not 'cut in' just stamped or written before the glaze is applied. I'll look forward to seeing a picture. Cheers
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Michael c
It's like it has been put on after its not cut in to the pottery like iv seen before. The auction house haven't seen it like that all so
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Erin May
Hi Michael, not quite sure what you mean by 'raised signage', it's probably incised, where they scratch the information onto the base of the vase with something similar to a nail. The shape 25 was one of those made around 1932-1937. They are a fairly common shape of vase that comes up quite regularly on eBay , I think one went on yesterday.
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Michael c
Hello there iv got a shape 25 with a raised signage of mc highs. And would like to know more if u can help please
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Erin May
I'd love to see a photo, and there's no reason it wouldn't get a showing in the book. The candle sticks have been some of the hardest things to find. I have finally added a shape 57 to the collection, a 6" tall candlestick on a saucer with a thin swirling handle from top to bottom. It was the last piece in the puzzle. I now have examples from 1-76( excluding 68 and 70, but who knows if they exist?). The text for the book is pretty much written, I'm no scholar, i'll get a couple of others to read through it. I don't want to make an idiot of myself :) My email address is orgle[email protected]. i'll look forward to the photo Cheers Robert
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Geoff Perry
We have 2 of the chambersticks, both unmarked in our collection. I can send a photo if you would like one. We could part with one if you were keen to get an example. Would love to know when your book comes out as I love Oz pottery books.
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Erin May
Geoff, I think I do vaguely remember being shown a photo of one a few years back, in fairly plain brown colours. While there seems to be a lot of bits and pieces in the collection, I know there are pieces I've either been shown or seen photos of, that I don't have examples of yet . I've been a bit slack with the web site over the last few months, I'd have another 40 odd pieces to add. I'm putting a bit of an effort into writing a history of the pottery itself. ( I won't be short of a few examples to illustrate it with!) see how I go. Always good to hear from others interested in the pottery.
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Geoff Perry
Are you aware that McHugh made a chamberstick from the leaf shaped pin dish. One of your photographs shows a circle in the middle where the candle holding stem is attached , add a holding loop and you have a chamberstick based on the pin dish shape.
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Michael Slater
Thanks Erin greatly appreciated m6bma
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Erin May
Michael, I'm guessing it's the same shape and size as the shape 67 vases on the web site. have a good look at the top rim of the vase, they do tend to suffer from hairline cracks in this area. If it's In good condition I would generally gauge it's value by what you see on sites like eBay. it's a slightly less common shape to see, but not rare. I'd be thinking somewhere around the $80-130 price
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Michael
My father recently passed away and i found that he owned a H McHugh Tasmania a little green vase with no 67 stamped underneath it. If possible could somebody advise me of its worth
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Erin May commented on Kelpie Door Stop
Paul, send me a few of photos and I'll get back to you. Not being signed isn't the end of the world, they are fairly easy to attribute to McHugh's, but collectors do like to have it inscribed on the base regardless. My email address is [email protected] I'll look forward to seeing thr photos
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Paul commented on Kelpie Door Stop
Hi - I have a Kelpie Door Stop similar to the one above (Brown with Gold highlights on a Green plinth) which I am interested in selling. It is in excellent condition but the teeth & tongue are different. It does not have a number or signature. Please advise & I can email some pictures.
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Erin May
Janice, as I've said to a few others that have asked me about prices, my best gauge is what people are asking for pieces on sites like eBay and gumtree. Condition is important, with these float bowls it's not uncommon to find that they have hairline cracks around the thin rim of the bowl, so check that out. If it's all in good condition, and it's a nice deep blue and gold, i'd like to think that you'd get $150- 250. but they're a fickle bunch out there and everyone wants a bargain.
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Janice commented on Float Bowl - Shape 55
I have one like this one but a darker blue with a touch of green . Signed by McHugh . Tasmania 1933 55 Could I have a price on it , Thanks
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Erin May
Arthur, good to hear from you. These vases come in two sizes, about 3" & 4" , both sizes seem to turn up often and it's not a rare shape. My best guide these days is to see what other similar vases are selling for on e-bay. Many of the smaller more common vases seem to start around the $60.00-70.00 mark and then it's just a case of seeing how much interest they get. That's each. They may get a touch more as a pair if they are similar enough in colour to call a pair
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Arthur Bradford commented on Vase - Shape 12
Have 2 of no 12 brown yellow vases. Perfect cond.Can you give me an estimate of worth? Thank you.
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Erin May
Clint, The No.2 vases do come up fairly often, as always, condition is important and a nice colour combination is a plus. Robert
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clint
Hi there. I just picked up a nice little number 2. I'm wondering if they are commonly found. Thanks in advance.
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Kylie
I was lucky enough to come your website and was wondering if you could tell me something about my McHugh No.17 Vase. It is signed and dated underside 1933, and is 17 cm tall. The other examples of No. 17's I can find photos of are smaller and dated later. Does this make mine a little more unusual or collectable or perhaps just no examples to find on the net? Your help with any info would be much appreciated. I have sent some photos to your email. Kylie
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Erin May
Gary, It certainly is collectable, these plates came in two sizes, those like yours and a smaller 5" size. Both plate seem to turn up now and again, they're not common, but I wouldn't say they were rare either. There has been one on EBay for a couple of months which has a price of $1500.00 on it and I know of one that sold at the Gowans auction rooms in Nov 2014 for $450.00 (you'd need to add commissions to that price). So I guess you could consider it somewhere around the $550.00-1500.00 price range. It would need to be in good order, no chips cracks or repairs, and you would like to see it signed on the back. Take good care of it. Robert
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Gary
Hi, I have a Mc Hugh vine plate (maple leaf) plate , 25 cm in diameter, this was originally my grand mothers, this plate has been hanging on wall for years and is in excellent order, is this plate collectable and any idea on value.
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Erin May
Michelle, The shape number 3 vases along with the No.22's and 18's are amongst the most common shapes that turn up. The No.3 came in three common sizes 4", 6" and 8" tall. If it were taller, then it's a little less common. The more vibrant the colours are would help the value too. It sounds a fairly basic colour and I can only judge the values by what you see on sites like e-bay and the auction houses. I guess you'd see it listed on e-bay at around $50-90
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Michelle commented on Vase - Shape 3
i inherited a vase very similar to this from my grandmother. It is a deep solid blue even the base with the signature picked out in black. I wondered what the 3 stood for so now I know! Can you advise as to value?
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Erin May
Deni, I can assure you that neither John McHugh Snr nor his sons John, Hugh and James would have worked at the Campbell pottery. A book on the Campbell pottery was published last year, written by Kevin Power, you could try chasing a copy up at the library, or you could look for a copy yourself. It's called 'John Campbell Pottery, Recollections and Collections'. There is a chapter that discusses the marks used by the pottery, not all the markings are understood yet, but some that are , FB float bowl, PB posy Bowl, CB Canoe bowl, WVL Wall vase large, MB Mignonette Bowl. MC doesn't have an explanation in the book however on page 123 there are three tall baluster vases shown with, and without handles, which are marked along the same lines as your own, MC John Campbell 1934. There's still lots to learn about the numbering systems for both the potteries Hope this helps.
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Katherine
http://www.auspostalhistory.com/MOBI/articles/140.php
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Katherine
I think they were neighbours that worked together?
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Deni
Thank you Nelly. I'll try to follow this up. Much appreciated.
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Nelly
John Campbell's wife's name was Mary. Could be a possibility this was M.C
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Deni
Do you know if Mc Hugh ever worked with John Campbell? I have a 28cm vase dated 1934 and signed M..C and underneath that signed John Campbell?
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Erin May commented on Bowl - Shape 20
Allison, all I can really suggest is that you judge the value by other smallish pieces being sold on sites like e bay. I don't think you'd call it a rare shape, but they look nicer when they have good strong colour. anything in a more unusual colour is more interesting to me. I guess I could see someone list it somewhere around the $70-100, but I guess it all boils down to who and how many people are interested in it, Cheers
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Cush Allison commented on Bowl - Shape 20
I have a complete bowl exactly the same just wondering what the value would be if possible thanks.
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Erin May
Katherine, I can't really help, we've used eBay and Gumtree and watch Etsy and Quicksales but they're all pretty similar. I'm always happy to look at any pieces of McHugh pottery at [email protected] if that helps
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Katherine
Hi, wondering if anyone here can advise of where to sell an item in Tasmania. I know ebay is an option, would rather if I could sell it in person. Thank you.
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Erin May
Janeen, To be honest, I've never yet gone to the extent of repairing any of the pieces in the collection, I'm happy to leave them as I found them. I also live in Victoria, so I don't think I can help you out too much in that respect. But it's still good to hear from you, glad you found the site. Cheers
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Janeen
Hi, Is there anywhere in Tassie that I can get a John Campbell bowl restored. There are a couple of chips around the rim I would like to be fixed. Thank you
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Erin May
David, both McHugh and John Campbell's produced the dog door stops, I've only seen the two types of dog that you see on the web site, one a Kelpie style of dog, ears up and he other a spaniel type of dog, ears down. if it's signed on the base all the better. The spaniel style of dog appears to be a little less common and more valuable. of course any damage does lessen its value. it would have been made somewhere around 1925-1935. a picture sent to me at [email protected] might tell me more.
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David Mawhinney
Hi, I recently found a McHugh doorstop dog ona green base. A sheep dog I think. What can you tell me about it? Thanks
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Katherine commented on Ashtray
Thank you so much for your reply. It is brown, bit darker than the one in pic, but other than that the same. My mother has a flat marone bowl too, will ask her to have a look here, thanks! Oh, I will get a pic up later 😄
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Erin May commented on Ashtray
Katherine, If it's not brown, it's a bonus, send me a photo, they're not that valuable, I think a paid around 35-40 dollars for one last year. Cheers Robert [email protected]
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Katherine commented on Ashtray
Hi, wondering if this item is of any value. Have had one for years! Thank you.
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Erin May
Jacqui, Good to see you found the web site, it's great that you use the vase, that's what they were made for! I don't recognise the number 118. if it's one you don't see in the collection maybe send me a photo, I'm always keen to see new shapes and colours. [email protected] Cheers
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Jacqui
Was just browsing your web site have a Yellow and Brown 20cm vase by Mchugh 1934 118 was interesting to read some history not sure how i even come by this vase but still put it to use at times Thanks
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Erin May
Owen Hi, Is it a shape that you've seen on the web site? in general I've not seen a great deal show up. the most common one would be the flat backed waisted style of wall pocket a little similar to the shape 3 vases. a picture sent to me at orgles @bigpond.com would always help. Cheers Robert
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Owen Davies
Hi--I recently bought an un-numbered wall vase---signed McHugh Tasmania--lovely green/maroon glaze---are they rare?---Cheers.Owen

Erin May
Location
Australia
Joined
Oct 02, 2013
Total Items
1184
Despite John McHugh establishing his pottery in Launceston, Tasmania in 1873, the vast majority of their work collected today comes from the art deco period of the mid 1920's-30's.

The custom of marking their pottery with their name, often along with a year of manufacture, the word 'Tasmania' and a shape identification number or letter began in the early 1930's. Their wares were advertised as 'Autographed pottery'.

A friendly rival to McHugh's in the pottery trade was that of John Campbell's. He operated his pottery from a site only two blocks further down Wellington St. The 'Sandhill' area of South Launceston provided good quantities of suitable clay which saw quite a few brick and pipe manufacturers set up their businesses in the area.

Rather than competing fiercely against each other, McHugh's and Campbell's came to an early agreement in 1883 to take it in turns to provide the lowest quote for the council tenders for sewerage and drainage pipes. Even to the extent that if the pottery supplying pipes that year was experiencing difficulties with man power or time constraints, the other would share employees or help supply pipes to them. This friendly rivalry lasted for years and helped cement both McHugh's and Campbell's as the dominant pottery firms in Tasmania

The production of decorative art pottery was suspended during W.W.2, and in McHugh's case was never recommenced. From the war years up until the pottery closed in the late 1960's their production was purely agricultural and sewerage pipe work.

The pottery produced in the 1930's is well marked and easily recognised. The pieces produced in their earlier years 1890-1920 are a lot harder to identify, and very few pieces were marked.

A wide range of household, utilitarian pieces would have been made including jugs, baking dishes, hot water bottles, mixing bowls, foot warmers, crock pots, demi-johns etc. These have also become collectable, and in my own case even the pipe ware, junctions, gullies and chimney pots are just as important pieces in my collection.

I am always interested in adding pieces to the collection and am constantly on the lookout for shapes and sizes of vase that I don't have examples of, or colour variations that are different.

I'd like to make the 'Erin May Collection a comprehensive catalogue of McHugh's production pieces and any help along the way is greatly appreciated. more About Us
Tasmanian Artware Pottery from the 30's
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