Ulisse Cantagalli
In 1878 Ulisse Cantagalli and his brother, Romeo, inherited the family ceramics factory near Florence. The shop produced copies of Middle Eastern and Italian tin-glazed wares and in time added earthenware vases with stylized animal and plant forms. Ulisse was famed for his ruby and golden luster techniques. In the 1880s, with encouragement from Mary Todd, his Scottish fiancé, he began exploring the principles of the British Arts and Crafts Movement, particularly in the revival of pre-industrial handcraft traditions. His mark (pictured) was the cockerel, in some cultures a symbol of generosity, in others a symbol of pride.
Like many of the ceramists of this era, Cantagalli was willing to go to great lengths to achieve his goals. He traveled to potteries in Gubbio, Deruta, Urbino, and other cities, making detailed studies of their time-honored ceramic techniques. He also spent considerable time studying ancient pottery in museums and private collections throughout Europe.
Cantagalli exercised strong control over his workshop. He required pottery decorators to paint direct copies of old Italian majolica wares and also to follow directions from his detailed drawings and notes. Once they had gained mastery, they were given the freedom to be original. But it was the Cantagalli's ability to master the ruby and golden lustre techniques of Maestro Giorgio Andreoli of Gubbio that brought the factory to fame, particularly in Britain.
During the late 1880s and 1890s, influential British potter William De Morgan spent time in Florence for health reasons. He became acquainted with Cantigalli through their mutual interest in early Italian pottery, developing lustre glazes, and recreating Iznik-style wares. De Morgan fired a number of pieces at the Cantagalli factory.
Cantagalli's wares were exhibited at many international exhibitions including Milan, Turin, Antwerp, and Venice, where they were highly regarded. His lustre ware was especially popular at the Earl's Court show in 1888. The British royalty were among his clients.