Queen Victoria's Colonial Wars.
Following the Crimean War and the Wedding of the Prince of Wales (1863) there was little for the potters to commemorate. They turned to the military heroes fighting across the Empire and, judging by the vast amount of items still relatively cheaply available, helped create celebrity status for the leaders.
General Gordon of Khartoum
Gordon is featured on Doulton stoneware jugs made at the time of his final mission ro relieve Khartoum in the Sudan from the Madhist in 1884. The jug shown here has his military achievements listed and also part of a speech made in 1877 as he fought against slavery in East Africa; "By the help of God I will hold the balance level". The final date shown is for his return to relieve "Khartoum 1884" and was made in widespread support and in expectation of his success there. There is another similar jug with the text "Betrayed 1885" as no British army arrived to save him and Khartoum.
The two handled loving cup is undated but is likely to be 1885. Sir Herbert Stewart (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Stewart) died of wounds commanding the vanguard, having been sent by Sir Garnet Wolsely, to relieve Khartoum. He is not the JDH Stewart (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Donald_Hamill_Stewart ), who accompanies Gordon to Khartoum and is also killed, played by Richard Johnson in the 1965 Charlton Heston film.
The two handled loving cup is undated but is likely to be 1885. Sir Herbert Stewart (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Stewart) died of wounds commanding the vanguard, having been sent by Sir Garnet Wolsely, to relieve Khartoum. He is not the JDH Stewart (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Donald_Hamill_Stewart ), who accompanies Gordon to Khartoum and is also killed, played by Richard Johnson in the 1965 Charlton Heston film.
Baden Powell
Hector MacDonald
Lord Roberts
Lord Kitchener
General George White
Sir Redvers Buller
Boer War
Sons of the Empire
Porcelain ribbon plates, often of continental manufacture, were popular tourist souvenirs in the 1890s and early 1900s, with pictures of seaside resorts and prominent buildings. These plates feature British army regimental uniforms and colours for the Gordon Highlanders, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, Grenadier Guards and the Royal Horse Guards (Blues and Royals).
A Gentleman in Kharki. The Absent-minded beggar.
These pottery items, mostly made by Macintyre depicted the image of the wounded British soldier from Richard Caton Woodville's painting "A Gentleman in Kharki (Khaki)". The image was widely used during the Boer War and was often combined with the first verse and chorus of Rudyard Kipling's poem "The Absent Minded Beggar" to help raise funds for military personnel. Reservists who were called up often took a reduction in pay compared with their civilian job and their job was not always kept open for their return. The poem, set to the music of Sir Arthur Sullivan, was used as a rousing patriotic song to encourage public support for, and contribution to, the war effort.
The final "A Gentleman in Kharki" plate is porcelain probably made in Germany or Austria.
The final "A Gentleman in Kharki" plate is porcelain probably made in Germany or Austria.
The Last Grip. Black & White Whisky.
A porcelain milk and sugar bowl showing Boer War style soldiers. One stands with his pistol drawn in anticipation while holding the hand of a wounded comrade. "The last grip" suggests an imminent tragedy. Made by Chapman of England presumably to promote BLACK & WHITE whisky.