The Linthorpe Pottery (1879-89) was founded by businessman John Harrison to exploit the local source of red clay, create original art pottery and partly as a philanthropic venture to relieve the plight of the local unemployed. An admirer of Dresser, Harrison hired the designer as Art Superintendent until 1882 along with skilled workers from the Staffordshire Potteries and artists trained at the Schools of Art, South Kensington. The artist Henry Tooth (1842-1918) was appointed as the pottery manager on recommendation by Dresser. Tooth had no previous experience in the role yet the works produced in collaboration with Dresser between 1879 and ‘82, are some of the most innovative of Linthorpe's production. Christopher Dresser's work for the Ault and Linthorpe potteries, such as this pitcher, drew on established Mediterranean, Asian and South American models that were innovative for British production. Forms like this pitcher would not have been possible without Dresser’s appreciation of international aesthetics. While there are no direct parallels to this form, the upturned spout and handle of the pitcher probably looks to Ancient Mediterranean and Peruvian pottery.