All the Variety and Perfection: The Rubin Wedgwood Collection
07 February 2023 Across a number of sales, Freeman’s in Philadelphia is selling the far-reaching Ellis and Suzanne Rubin collection of Wedgwood.
A 19th century Wedgwood blue dip jasperware campana wine cooler with floral ornament, estimate $3000-5000 from the Ellis and Suzanne Rubin collection of Wedgwood ceramics offered by Freemans on February 15.
Spanning the entire history of factory production from the 18th century to the present day, the first tranche of this substantial collection will be offered as a 249-lot sale on February 15 with additional lots appearing as specialist sections in various departmental sales throughout the first half of the year.
Freeman’s director of decorative arts Tim Andreadis describes the Rubins’ collection as “one of the best Wedgwood collections in private hands, with both archetypical and rarely-seen examples.”
The collection covers classic 18th and 19th century wares – particularly basalt, creamware, pearlware and jasperware – through to 20th century classics such as Daisy Makeig-Jones’ Fairyland lustre, the Art Deco designs of Keith Murray and John Skeaping and Powell-decorated Arts and Crafts wares.
All the Variety and Perfection: The Wedgwood Collection of Dr. Ellis F. Rubin & Suzanne Borow Rubin takes its name from an early advertisement in which Josiah Wedgwood vows to “make it his constant endeavor to give to his manufacture all the variety and perfection he is able.”
Ellis and Suzanne Rubin spent over 60 years building the ceramics collection that filled their Bucks County, Pennsylvania home. “With Suzanne the granddaughter of a collector and the daughter of collectors, I had no hope of avoiding being drawn into collecting,” Dr Rubin said.
Together, the couple travelled the world, attended seminars, joined numerous societies, and befriended collectors, dealers, and curators, deepening their knowledge while chasing rare forms. Many pieces were bought at specialist sales such as those conducted for many years by Skinner in Massachusetts.
Selections from the collection have been exhibited at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Wedgwood 250th Anniversary exhibition at the DAR Museum in Washington, DC, and, most recently, at the Mint Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Estimates range from $80-120 for a pair of Napoleon Ivy pattern Queensware serving bowls to $15,000-20,000 for a Fairyland lustre malfrey pot and cover in the Bubbles II pattern.
Pictured here are a few highlights.
A Wedgwood Queensware punchbowl c.1780 with scenes by Sadler & Green and inscription reading De, Juffrouw Anna, Cornelia. Barend, Nannigs. D3 11M 1780, estimate $600-800.
A Wedgwood Fairyland lustre malfrey pot in the Woodland Elves IV pattern, 4.5in diameter, estimate $2500-3500.
A pair of enamelled pearlware lions, both impressed Wedgwood c.1790, estimate $4000-6000.
John Skeaping for Wedgwood kangaroo in a non-standard green glaze, formulated by Norman Wilson, estimate $1500-2500.
A Wedgwood Queensware punchbowl c.1780 with scenes by Sadler & Green and inscription reading De, Juffrouw Anna, Cornelia. Barend, Nannigs. D3 11M 1780, estimate $600-800.
A Wedgwood majolica jardiniere, 14in diameter, estimate $150-250.
Wedgwood caneware and grey-green jasper canopic jar, 10in, c.1860, estimate $3000-5000.