A rare Martin Brothers stoneware oil lamp base of ovoid form with pierced fretwork, decorated in the Renaissance style with white/grey and blue enamelled foliage on a mottled brown ground, the body with four pierced holes to the sides and another to the base, probably intended for a supporting metalwork stand, with internal oil reservoir and opening at the top for a lamp fitting, bearing incised marks to the shoulder reading 'Martin Bros London' and at the base reading 'Martin Bros. London Southall 1886', 21.5 cm high x 14.5 cm wide. Provenance: Part of a single owner collection originally acquired directly from the Martin Brothers Pottery, by Samuel L. M. Avery Esq., a master builder and resident of Southall. Avery was a friend and acquaintance of the Martin family, often visiting the pottery where he bought pieces directly from them for his own collection. The collection was inherited by his descendants and has remained in the family ever since, only being recently discovered following the passing of his daughter.