An early 20th century Martin Brothers architectural column capital glazed in blue and sea-green enamels with repeating leaf and scroll forms, on a stepped square base with canted corners, stamped 'Martin Southall' in several areas, 26 cm high, the top 31 cm square. Literature: 'The Martin Brothers Potters' by Malcolm Haslam, published Richard Dennis, 1978; page 137 for an image of a fountain bearing a similar style to this fragment. NB: The fountain in this photograph was the one donated by Samuel Avery, later erected in the Manor House Grounds, Southall. 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.