The pots in the first row, left to right, are by Arthur B. Barlow, Eliza Simmance, Florence E. Barlow and Frank A. Butler. The pieces in the second row are by Hannah B. Barlow, Mark V. Marshall and George Tinworth (the clock and a mouse on bun.)

                   Ode to Lambeth Art Pottery

                   Stoneware Displays, on Shelves, bedecked,
                   Where saltglaze Pots, dare Art, Object,
                   Yet Tinworth's Mouse, stays circumspect;
                   Each Auction House shows Lots, perfect,
                   There's Butler's Work; Barlows, Select,
                   Eliza Simmance, Ewers necked;
                   Grotesques, of Marshall’s Intellect;
                   Watch what you buy; yourselves, protect,
                   From eBay’s Bargains, so suspect,
                   Beware those Dealers, incorrect;
                   Then scrutinize, a Piece, subject,
                   To UV Light; eyeball, inspect,
                   This tight Hairline; that Kiln Defect;
                   All Restoration, just detect,
                   With Dennis, Eyles, Irvine connect;
                   You'd best assess 'Resale Effect',
                   If overpriced or flawed, reject!

                   At Sotheby's, you'd choose, elect;
                   Flea Markets vast, to Brimfield, trekked;
                   While Antique Stores, in retrospect,
                   Would lead to Ruin, fast, direct;
                   Compulsive Bids, one should reflect,
                   Could cause the Loss of Self-Respect,
                   A Future sad, if not abject;
                   You'll duck past Chores; the Kids, neglect,
                   Out of Control, amuck, unchecked,
                   Your last Buck gone; the Marriage wrecked;
                   This final Thought, I must inject,
                   "That no one knows, what to expect,
                   When first you, Doulton, do collect!"

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© Howard B. Eskin, 2002