MEET THE COLLECTOR

What I collect: Pre-1920 Victorian spongeware with a preference for English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish pieces. Spongeware was first made in the early 1800s and features a variety of both simple and sophisticated patterns made using fine-pored, cut and shaped sponges. I tend to collect makers such as George Jones from Stoke-on-trent, Elsmore & Forster, Davenport and Thomas Booth & Son.

Why I collect: I have been an antiques dealer (Instagram @asprey_antiques) for a number of years and have always kept an eye out for spongeware. Bit by bit, I have amassed quite a collection. I just love how it displays and my collection can be seen throughout the house. I have many pieces arranged on an antique Welsh pine dresser in the kitchen – I use the bowls and plates for salads in the summer. Plates are hung on the bedrooms walls to enjoy and bowls hold shells in the bathrooms.

How I collect: I have been collecting spongeware for over twenty years and while I buy for provenance and value, I sometimes buy purely on instinct. Collecting takes me a great deal of time and perseverance, with many hours spent looking through auctions and the UK’S excellent antiques shops and centres. Beautiful pieces sometimes come up overseas, so I always keep an eye out internationally. Prices for spongeware tend to range from £50 to £500.

My collection highlight: I have around 300 pieces in my collection, but my favourite piece is a rare punchbowl, complete with its original lid (right). It was probably made in Scotland and dates to circa 1880. It features a wonderful swag and bow pattern and is the only spongeware punchbowl I have come across in this design.

Sam displays a selection of her spongeware pieces on her Welsh pine kitchen dresser

Large rice dish with a striking design of sponge print and brushstrokes, c.1890, by Dutch maker Société Céramique

Blue and white Scottish plate, c.1880, possibly made for the Asian market

Spongeware plate with unusual pale colouring, c.1910

Scottish plate with unusual colouring and a rare deer maker’s stamp, c.1860

Large potato bowl, c.1880

This Scottish spongeware punchbowl, c.1880, is in excellent condition and another of Sam’s favourite pieces

Sam’s collection highlight – an extremely rare large punchbowl with its original lid, c.1880, probably Scottish

Large spongeware jug with a pretty floral design in red and green, c.1870, possibly Scottish

Spongeware mug with no mark, c.1870, possibly Irish