Two Early 20th Century Barge Ware Water Cans

Possibly painted by Matilda Woodhouse

33 cm. and 24 cm. high respectively (excluding swing handles)

Price: £450

Condition: Some minor losses in areas to the paintwork, otherwise wear and tear consistent with age and use.

Matilda Woodhouse (1902-1934).

Now referred to as ‘Buckby’ cans, the name derived from the canalside village of Buckby Wharf. Orphaned at an early age Matilda lived with her aunt and uncle who initially ran a local Inn before opening a wharfside shop where her cans were sold. Matilda is the only ever recorded female professional canal ware painter. The cans were made in Birmingham and brought to Buckby by barge where she painted them in a caravan behind the shop, and selling them for a few shillings each. The aged patination of the present cans and the assurance of the painted brushstrokes with their overall quality of their design certainly indicates their age and the likelyhood they could well be by Matilda’s hand.