IT’S the sort of name that sounds like it belongs to the gardener at a country house. The wearer of baggy brown corduroy trousers, stout boots, at home with a wheelbarrow and an artist with a pair of secateurs.

Harry Davis was an artist all right, but in a rather different world. For he was one of the greatest ceramic painters of the 20th century. Among Royal Worcester’s ultimate experts on a list decorated by more flowery entries like Kitty Blake, Ruth Van Ruyckevelt, Charles Baldwyn and Dorothy Doughty.

Now Harry’s story has been told in a new book by Royal Worcester enthusiast and local author Colin Millett. It’s called, appropriately, Harry -the life and work of Harry Davis 1885-1970.

In the foreword ceramics expert and auctioneer Philip Serrell says: “During my career I have had the privilege of handling and selling many examples of the great man’s work. And I say great man because although it is an oft ill used term Harry was indeed just that.”

Young Harry starting at the Royal Worcester factory at the age of 13 had a certain inevitability about it. Born in the city, he was following in the family tradition as both his father Alfred and his grandfather Josiah Davis, who was one of the company’s finest ever gilders, had worked there.

Colin writes: “He very quickly demonstrated what a tremendous natural ability and talent he had for painting a wide range of subjects, which included landscapes, sheep , horses, pigs , polar bears, highland cattle, London scenes, palaces and gardens. His output was extensive and impressive, particularly during the pre -First World War years and the later inter-war years of 1919-1939.

“Harry would never accept anything less than perfection in everything he did. This was to be his guiding and overriding principle throughout his working life at the Worcester factory.

“Henry Sandon, Philip Serrell and myself all agree that Harry Davis was probably the very best of the best in a long line of distinguished painters who worked for Royal Worcester in the twentieth century.”

In the first Honours list of the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1952, Harry Davis was awarded the British Empire Medal for his outstanding contribution to British craftmanship and design of new lines, all of which helped the Royal Worcester Company develop its export business throughout the twentieth century.

After working at Royal Worcester for 71 years and due to ill health , Harry Davis finally retired in 1969. He died the following year.

Colin added: “Harry Davis remained to the end an honest and conscientious craftsman of great integrity. Above all, he was a man who was genuinely courteous throughout his working life.

“He was forever astonished to think that anyone should be interested in him or want to collect his work. His name and signature on Royal Worcester pieces have always guaranteed the very best quality and prices.”

• Copies of Colin Millett’s book, Harry- the life and work of Harry Davis 1885-1970 can be purchased from the Museum of Royal Worcester’s shop in Severn Street or ordered online by visiting the Museum’s own website – www.museumofroyalworcester.org