1832 Reform Act. Grey, Brougham, Russell and Althorp.
Earl Grey and Lords Brougham, Russell and Althorp appear on pottery items as the group which lead the Reform Bill through parliament. They also appear individually on Staffordshire items often accompanied with a "REFORM" transfer. Less common are mugs and plaques for George Kinloch, and jugs with Brougham, Francis Burdett and Joseph Hume.
William IV, Adelaide and Reform.
In 1830 King William IV and Queen Adelaide ascended the British throne. They had their coronation the following year. Many mugs, jugs and plates were produced at this time but most do not show any date or include the words "accession" or "coronation".
This plate shows King William and is presumably commemorating the coronation. The "SCOTT" impress means that it was made in Sunderland. There was probably another plate featuring Queen Adelaide as the mug shown below displays the same William transfer and its pair with Adelade, both transfers being in a similar style.
What is unusual about this time is that another much commemorated event occured the following year in 1832. The passing of the Reform Act followed years of agitation by many people including some who did not live to see it. (The plate below shows reknowned activist C.J.Fox, who died in 1806. The "FELL" impress means that it was probably made circa 1830.) Although William had been King for only a short time it was recognised that his contribution in the passing of the Act was an important one.
For 1832 a new transfer of William was produced with the title "The only Royal Reformer since Alfred". (Whether or not he was the only Royal Reformer is debateable, and why Alfred is mentioned is a mystery.) This transfer appears on one mug (already shown above) with the large word "REFORM" on the reverse. Although the words appear to be missing, a careful look will show that the tops of the tall letters are actually present under "WILLIAM THE IV".
So if a new transfer was made for William, what about Adelaide? Transfers of Adelaide which are paired with the Royal Reformer are simply labelled "QUEEN ADELAIDE" and so could theoretically have been used to commemorate accession, coronation or reform. However the Adelaide transfer seen on items obviously commemorating reform has not yet been seen on items obviously commemorating the coronation. My assertion (until I am corrected) is that this is a uniquely Reform transfer.
Queen Adelaide was well reported at the time to be in opposition to reform. She was attacked while in her coach by reform supporters. It is therefore surprising that the potters of the time should include her image on reform pieces. Even more surprising is the jug with the blue band. Here is Adelaide, without her husband, sharing a jug with her adversary Early Grey.
This plate shows King William and is presumably commemorating the coronation. The "SCOTT" impress means that it was made in Sunderland. There was probably another plate featuring Queen Adelaide as the mug shown below displays the same William transfer and its pair with Adelade, both transfers being in a similar style.
What is unusual about this time is that another much commemorated event occured the following year in 1832. The passing of the Reform Act followed years of agitation by many people including some who did not live to see it. (The plate below shows reknowned activist C.J.Fox, who died in 1806. The "FELL" impress means that it was probably made circa 1830.) Although William had been King for only a short time it was recognised that his contribution in the passing of the Act was an important one.
For 1832 a new transfer of William was produced with the title "The only Royal Reformer since Alfred". (Whether or not he was the only Royal Reformer is debateable, and why Alfred is mentioned is a mystery.) This transfer appears on one mug (already shown above) with the large word "REFORM" on the reverse. Although the words appear to be missing, a careful look will show that the tops of the tall letters are actually present under "WILLIAM THE IV".
So if a new transfer was made for William, what about Adelaide? Transfers of Adelaide which are paired with the Royal Reformer are simply labelled "QUEEN ADELAIDE" and so could theoretically have been used to commemorate accession, coronation or reform. However the Adelaide transfer seen on items obviously commemorating reform has not yet been seen on items obviously commemorating the coronation. My assertion (until I am corrected) is that this is a uniquely Reform transfer.
Queen Adelaide was well reported at the time to be in opposition to reform. She was attacked while in her coach by reform supporters. It is therefore surprising that the potters of the time should include her image on reform pieces. Even more surprising is the jug with the blue band. Here is Adelaide, without her husband, sharing a jug with her adversary Early Grey.