Temperance pottery and porcelain.
Temperance celebrities.
Fr. Theobald Mathew Joseph Livesey Neal Dow John B. Gough
Father Mathew 1790-1856.
Cup, 2.5 inches tall. abstain from all intoxicating drinks except used medicinally and by order of a medical mafn, and to discountenance the cause and practice of intemperance
"FATHER MATHEW ADMINISTERING THE PLEDGE OF TEMPERANCE" to a crowd near St Paul's Cathedral, London.
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"PLEDGE": "I PROMISE TO ABSTAIN FROM ALL INTOXICATING LIQUORS EXCEPT FOR MEDICAL OR SACRAMENTAL PURPOSES AND TO DISCOURAGE THE CAUSE AND PRACTICE OF INTEMPERANCE".
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Copper lustre jug, 6.5 inches tall.
"THE CELEBRATED ADVOCATE OF TEMPERANCE ADMINISTERING THE PLEDGE FATHER MATHEW"
Plate, maximum width 6 inches.
Note incorrect spelling of "MATHEW". "FATHER MATTHEW ADMINISTERING THE TOTAL ABSTINENCE PLEDGE".
2 Plates, maximum width 8 inches.
"MAY GOD BLESS YOU & GRANT YOU STRENGTH & GRACE TO KEEP YOUR PROMISE", "FATHER MATHEW".
Reverse of plate has lozenge showing the code for 22 March 1847.
Joseph Livesey 1794-1884.
Cup and saucer. Cup 2.75 inches tall, saucer 6 inches diameter. Similar items can have a green coloured body.
"Joseph Livesey Esqr. Founder of the Temperance Movement", "BORN Mar 5th 1794 DIED Sept 2nd 1884"
The backstamp on the saucer is for "JAMES HOWORTH 13 FISHERGATE PRESTON GLASS & CHINA MERCHANT"
Mug, widening to base, height 3.5 inches. The mug has the same "Howarth" mark underneath.
Neal Dow 1804-1897.
Plate, 9.5 inches diameter.
"Neal Dow".
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"THE GOSPEL & TEMPERANCE THE GREATEST BLESSINGS TO MANKIND"
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Signature "Neal Dow".
The letter refers to buying shares in a water company. |
"10,000 BACKSLIDE YEARLY THROUGH DRINKS"
"60,000,000 SPENT YEARLY IN STRONG DRINK" "6,000,000 QUARTERS OF GRAIN YEARLY IN DRINKS". |
IN ENGLAND 17,000 JUVENILE OFFENDERS YEARLY."
"ONLY 60.000 DIE YEARLY THROUGH DRINKS" "THE PUBLICAN POLLUTED BY THE TRAFFIC." |
"iNTEMPERANCE IS THE BANE OF SOCIETY"
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"UNITED KINGDOM ALLIANCE
FOR THE TOTAL SUPPRESSION OF THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC" "W. WILDBLOOD BURSLEM STAFFS." |
John B Gough 1817-1886.
Cup and saucer. Cup 3 inches tall, saucer 5.5 inches diameter. Items are also found with green transfers.Some of the small scenes make reference to William Hogarth's 1751 print "Gin Lane".
Inside of cup with "PUT NO ALCOHOL IN ME".
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"THE GOSPEL & TEMPERANCE THE GREATEST BLESSINGS TO MANKIND"
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"GODLINESS IS PROFITABLE TO ALL THINGS"
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"GRIPE PAWNBROKER MONEY LENT"
Hogarth's "Gin Lane" pawnbroker is called "S Gripe". |
"INTEMPERANCE IS THE BANE OF SOCIETY"
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"NO DRUNKARD SHALL ENTER HEAVEN"
Hogarth's "Gin Lane" distiller is called "Kilman". Note the crowd watching the hangings at the left. |
"THE PATHS OF PEACE"
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Saucer backstamp "UNITED KINGDOM ALLIANCE".
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J B Gough sucrier.
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Band of Hope
The Band of Hope started in 1847 at Leeds and became a national organisation in 1855. Meetings were aimed at children who were encouraged to sign the Pledge. As can be seen from the following plates the message is linked to Christian values.
Plate 6 inches diameter.
This transfer is sometimes seen with the image reversed (except for the text) and with a "BAND OF HOPE" title. The messages are "NO ALCOHOL", "BANB (sic) OF HOPE", "REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY TO KEEP IT HOLY" and "NO DRUNKARD CAN ENTER HEAVEN".
Plate 7 inches diameter.
"THE MOUNTAIN RILL",
"HOW PLEASANT, ON A SUNNY DAY TO REST BESIDE THE BROOK.
TO WATCH THE RIPPLES AS THEY PLAY, DOWN IN SOME SHADY NOOK".
"HOW PLEASANT, ON A SUNNY DAY TO REST BESIDE THE BROOK.
TO WATCH THE RIPPLES AS THEY PLAY, DOWN IN SOME SHADY NOOK".
Plate 7.5 inches diameter.
David faces Goliath backed by a children's army. "MAKE THE TEMPERANCE ARMY STRONG AND ON TO VICTORY". Banners include "BAND OF HOPE", and "COLD WATER ARMY".
Plate 8 inches diameter.
"SIGNING THE PLEDGE". A child is signing a roll headed "BAND OF HOPE". Messages on the wall are "REMEMBER NOW THY CREATOR IN THE DAYS OF THY YOUTH" and " TRAIN UP A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO".
Staffordshire figure 14 inches tall.
"BAND OF HOPE"
THE DRUNKARD'S DOOM. (THE RUINED FAMILY)
Plate 6.5 inches diameter. Perhaps one of a series of plates or a pair. The alliterative title has been used for a play by George Dibdin Pitt in the 1830s and by later song-writers. The picture is based on a print "The Consequences of Intemperance and Idleness". There may also be a plate with the companion print "The Fruits of Temperance and Industry".
Armorial
Several versions of an unofficial coat of arms appear on temperance commemorative pottery. All have a similar basic design of shield, supporters, crest and motto. One of the more complex versions is shown in detail.
The shield is made of 9 pictures. On the top row under "FREEDOM" is a man losing his chains - free from alcohol. To the left is an angel, presumably St Longinus, with the spear that was used to pierce Christ. On the right is a ring.
Under "HEALTH" is a man walking in the countryside, "WISDOM" is represented by Britannia and "COMMERCE" by a ship.
"INDUSTRY" is shown as a bee-hive, "RELIGION" by a Bible under "I.H.S." and a cornucopia represents "PLENTY".
Under "HEALTH" is a man walking in the countryside, "WISDOM" is represented by Britannia and "COMMERCE" by a ship.
"INDUSTRY" is shown as a bee-hive, "RELIGION" by a Bible under "I.H.S." and a cornucopia represents "PLENTY".
Under the banner "TEE TOTAL SOCIETY" is the crest of 'the lamb of St Wilfred', the patron saint of Preston.
The supporters are shown as a well dressed husband and wife. He holds a banner with "SOBRIETY" and at his feet is the son holding a book. The woman's banner reads "DOMESTIC COMFORT". At her feet the daughter is sewing.
Under the motto "BE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH" are pictures of three buildings no longer needed: a prison has its doors open with a "TO LET" sign, a "SPIRIT" shop is locked up and at a closed "MONEY LENT" shop a pawnbroker is up a ladder removing his 'three spheres' symbol.
Plaque. 6.5 inches diameter. Probably Dixon, Austin & Co. of Sunderland.
Plaque. 7.5 inches by 5.75. Probably Dixon, Austin & Co. of Sunderland.
Plaque. 7 inches diameter. Probably Dixon, Austin & Co. of Sunderland.
Plaque. 6.5 inches diameter.Impressed "C.C.& Co."
Plaque. 5.5 inches by 4.5. Probably Sheriff Hill.
Plaque. 7.5 inches diameter. Unidentified pottery.
Plate. 6 inches diameter. "FIRM AS AN OAK". The lamb is replaced by an oak tree and at the bottom are broken vessels.
Plate. 6.5 inches diameter.
Plate. Maximum width 7 inches.
Cup and saucer. Cup 2.75 inches tall, saucer 5.5 inches diameter.
Plate 11 inches diameter. "A PROHIBITORY LIQUOR LAW FOR THIS COUNTRY". Back stamp "SUTHERLAND, CAROLINE ST, POTTERIES, LONGTON STAFFORDSHIRE".
Cup 2.25 inches tall. "SONS OF TEMPERANCE", DAUGHTERS OF TEMPERANCE".
Plate. 6 inches diameter. Impressed "SOUTH WALES POTTERY"
TEMPERANCE VERSES.
Plate. 5 inches diameter.
Plate 6.5 inches diameter.
Plate 5.5 inches diameter.
Jug. 5.5 inches tall. Commemorative transfer for Queen Victoria's coronation and "THE DRUNKARD SHALL NOT ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD". This was made later than 1838.
Bowl. 3.5 inches tall, 6.5 inches diameter. Tyneside. Commemorative transfer of "QUEEN VICTORIA" and the hymn "Let temperance and her sons rejoice"
Mug. 5 inches tall. "THE TREE OF DISSIPATION". Originally printed in the shape of a tree this verse appeared in newspapers and books.
THE TREE OF DISSIPATION. The sin of drunkenness expels reasson, drowns memory, diminishes strength, distempers the body, defaces beauty, turns men into walking hospitals, causes internal, external, and incurable wounds; is a witch to the sences, a devil to the soul, a thief to the pocket, the begar's companion, a wife's woe, and children's sorrow, makes man become a beast and self-murderer, who drinks to others good health, and robs himself of his own!. The root of all evil is DRUNKENNESS!!! |
Barrel. 12 inches high, 9 inches wide. The circular sides with the text are 6.5 inches diameter.
With pink lustre decoration, this barrel was presumably intended to hold water. The painted star is similar to that on plaques attributed to C, C & Co. the North Shields Pottery.
A Pleasant Beverage. NO DUTY. Free for all.
If you Drink,
Nothing Stronger,
Then (sic) what runs from me,
It will never bring you,
To Poverty.
With pink lustre decoration, this barrel was presumably intended to hold water. The painted star is similar to that on plaques attributed to C, C & Co. the North Shields Pottery.
A Pleasant Beverage. NO DUTY. Free for all.
If you Drink,
Nothing Stronger,
Then (sic) what runs from me,
It will never bring you,
To Poverty.
THE BOTTLE and THE EFFECTS OF THE BOTTLE
There are two sets of images which appear on pottery items charting the progressive decline of an individual and his family due to alcohol.
"THE BOTTLE" is a series of eight scenes drawn by George Cruikshank. The images were available in 1847 on printed paper sheets produced by the publisher David Bogue of 86 Fleet Street, London. Simplified versions of the 8 prints soon appeared on pottery items made by several firms and magic lantern slides.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YXA88LOOUc
In 1848 Bogue published a sequel series of 8 Cruikshank prints entitled "THE DRUNKARD'S CHILDREN" on paper and as a book with text by Charles Mackay. Considering the large number of extant antique plates, plaques, and bowls showing "THE BOTTLE" it is odd that "THE DRUNKARD'S CHILDREN" images would seem to have never been taken up by any pottery.
Ten versions of "THE BOTTLE" series transfers are shown below.
"THE EFFECTS OF THE BOTTLE" is a series of six scenes. It seems that these images appear exclusively on pottery plates made by Middlesbrough Pottery
"THE BOTTLE" is a series of eight scenes drawn by George Cruikshank. The images were available in 1847 on printed paper sheets produced by the publisher David Bogue of 86 Fleet Street, London. Simplified versions of the 8 prints soon appeared on pottery items made by several firms and magic lantern slides.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YXA88LOOUc
In 1848 Bogue published a sequel series of 8 Cruikshank prints entitled "THE DRUNKARD'S CHILDREN" on paper and as a book with text by Charles Mackay. Considering the large number of extant antique plates, plaques, and bowls showing "THE BOTTLE" it is odd that "THE DRUNKARD'S CHILDREN" images would seem to have never been taken up by any pottery.
Ten versions of "THE BOTTLE" series transfers are shown below.
"THE EFFECTS OF THE BOTTLE" is a series of six scenes. It seems that these images appear exclusively on pottery plates made by Middlesbrough Pottery
Comparing the different versions of THE BOTTLE. PLATE IV.
On the original prints, Cruikshank has added the details of the publisher to a sack being carried into the "FAMILY WINES AND SPIRITS" shop. Partly obcured by a post is "David Bogue Publisher No. 86 Fleet Street LONDON". This is copied on the transfers used by Moore & Co and Middlesbrough. The fourth image shows "Dav" replaced by "CRU". Is this a reference to Cruikshank? The other versions of PLATE IV do not have the Bogue reference and some do not even show the sack.
Original Cruikshank paper version.
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Version 1 Moore & Co.
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Version 3 Mdddlesbrough Pottery.
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Version 4 Unidentified pottery.
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THE BOTTLE. Version 1. Moore & Co. Type A.
The pottery transfers that seem to most faithfully reproduce Cruikshank's prints were made by S. Moore & Co. of Sunderland. The transfers were applied in black or in very dark flow blue to a variety of plates and plaques. The blurring effect of flow blue may give a more gentle image but does make analysis of the detail more difficult.
PLATE I. Flow blue transfer. Plate 9 inches diameter.
PLATE I. Flow blue transfer. Pink lustre plaque 9.25 inches by 8.
PLATE II. Flow blue transfer. Plate 9 inches diameter.
PLATE II Flow blue transfer. Pink lustre plaque 9.25 inches by 8.
PLATE II Flow blue transfer. Plate 8 inches diameter. Leaves and berries border.
PLATE III Flow blue transfer. Pink lustre plaque 9.25 inches by 8.
PLATE III Black transfer. Plate 9 inches diameter.
PLATE IV Flow blue transfer. Pink lustre plaque 9.25 inches by 8.
PLATE V Flow blue transfer. Plate 9 inches diameter.
PLATE V Flow blue transfer. Pink lustre plaque with copper lustre border 9.25 inches by 8.
PLATE VI Flow blue transfer. Plate 9 inches diameter.
PLATE VI Flow blue transfer. Pink lustre plaque 9.25 inches by 8.
PLATE VI Flow blue transfer. Pink lustre plaque 8.5 inches diameter.
PLATE VII Flow blue transfer. Plate 9 inches diameter.
PLATE VII Flow blue transfer. Pink lustre plaque 9.25 inches by 8.
PLATE VII Flow blue tranfer. Plate 8.25 inches diameter.
PLATE VIII Flow blue transfer. Plate 9 inches diameter.
THE BOTTLE. Version 2. Moore & Co. Type B.
The transfers in this series, also made by Moore & Co. of Sunderland, are slightly smaller than Type A described above. They do not have the title "THE BOTTLE", and lack the scene number. "Violence" is also spelt correctly. The description is under the scene and is writtin in sans serif. There is a very large teapot in Sunderland Museum with the larger Type A transfers but this series is more suited to the more normal sized teapot and sucrier shown here. Each item has a backstamp different to Type A and some are impressed "MOORE & Co.". The lids of the teapot and sucrier have the words "TEMPERANCE PEACE & PLENTY" under a cornucopia and a sack labelled "CORN". The slop bowl incorporates these in a harbour scene very similar to that which appears on commemorative pottery made against the Corn Laws which were repealed in 1846. The small tea plate with similar decoration may suggest that a full tea service was made with cups and saucers. The 4th scene does not include the "David Bogue" label on the sack.
The above tea-set is decorated with black transfers of scenes 1, 4 and 6. The two plates with added colour have brown transfers of scenes 3 and 5. Neither of these plates is impressed but both have a brown backstamp.
PLATE I. Teapot.
PLATE III. Plate 7 inches diameter.
PLATE IV. Plate 7 inches diameter.
PLATE V. Plate 7 inches diameter.
PLATE VI. Sucrier.
PLATE VII. Plate 7 inches diameter. Backstamp and impress.
THE BOTTLE Version 3. Middlesbrough Pottery
It seems that Middlesbrough Pottery applied transfers of "THE BOTTLE" and "THE EFFECTS OF THE BOTTLE" to plates only. Some have a Middlesbrough Pottery "anchor" impress. Others have a small circular impress which at first looks as if the blunt end of a pencil has been pushed in but on close inspection can reveal the characters "XI AU" (?). Some have a brown transfer print number 5, 8 or 9 (or 6). A full set of Middlesbrough Pottery "THE BOTTLE" plates can be seen at the Willet Collection, Brighton.
Plates with the 3 rows of flowers on the lip that are not impressed can be identified as "Middlebrough Pottery" by the shape of the lip. Compare the profile of Middlebrough Pottery plate (left) with one from another unidentified pottery.
All of the following Middlesbrough Pottery "THE BOTTLE" transfers are printed in brown with the exception of one "PLATE VII". The plates are all 8 inches diameter.
Middlesbrough Pottery. PLATE I. No back marks.
Middlesbrough Pottery. PLATE III. No impress, printed "5".
Middlesbrough Pottery. PLATE IV. Anchor impress mark, printed "5".
Middlesbrough Pottery. PLATE V. Round impress, printed "6" or "9".
Middlesbrough Pottery. PLATE VI. Round impress, printed "5".
Middlesbrough Pottery. PLATE VII. Anchor impress, printed "8".
Middlesbrough Pottery. PLATE VII. Black printed transfer with slight flow effect. Round impress.
Middlesbrough Pottery. PLATE VIII. Round impress, printed "8".
THE BOTTLE Version 4. Unidentified pottery.
The following unmarked plates of diameter 6.75 inches feature brown transfers.
PLATE I.
PLATE II.
PLATE III.
PLATE IV.
PLATE VII.
PLATE VIII.
Version 5. Unidentifed pottery. "SCENE FIRST" etc. serif.
The central scenes of Version 5 and 6 may be from the same copper plate set. Each transfer is identified as a "SCENE" with ordinal number such as "SCENE THIRD". The description of the scene only appears under the image and is written with a serif type.
SCENE FIRST.
SCENE THIRD. 11 inches diameter. Printed backstamp "Lovette".
SCENE SEVENTH. 11 inches diameter. Printed backstamp "Lovette".
SCENE SEVENTH. 7.5 inches diameter.
THE BOTTLE. Version 6. Unidentified pottery. "DRUNKARD'S PROGRESS"
The main differences between these and the previous set is the title "THE DRUNKARD'S PROGRESS".
"The Drunkard's Progress" title had been used for two previous works: a 4 picture series by John W. Barber in 1826, and a single picture by Nathaniel Currier in 1846 showing 8 stages from the first drink to tragic end. Neither of these works, which were produced in the USA on paper, seem to have been made into pottery transfers
"The Drunkard's Progress" title had been used for two previous works: a 4 picture series by John W. Barber in 1826, and a single picture by Nathaniel Currier in 1846 showing 8 stages from the first drink to tragic end. Neither of these works, which were produced in the USA on paper, seem to have been made into pottery transfers
SCENE FIFTH. Alphabet plate 7 inches diameter.
SCENE SIXTH. Alphabet plate 7 inches diameter.
THE BOTTLE Version 7. "SCENE FIRST" etc. sans serif
Another set with "SCENE FIRST" etc. but the scene description is printed sans serif.
SCENE THIRD. 6 inches diameter.
SCENE FOURTH. 7.75 inches diameter.
SCENE FOURTH. Alphabet plate 8.25 inches diameter.
THE BOTTLE Version 8. "K" impress.
PLATE I. 7.5 inches diameter. "K" impress.
PLATE VIII. 7.5 inches diameter. "K" impress.
THE BOTTLE Version 9. Unidentified pottery.
These unidentified plates may come from different sets. The 2 with PLATE I have the same transfer but are different sizes.
The ones with PLATE IV and PLATE V have the same shape and size.
The ones with PLATE IV and PLATE V have the same shape and size.
PLATE I. 7.5 inches diameter.
PLATE I. 6.5 inches diameter.
PLATE IV. 8 inches diameter.
PLATE IV. 6 5 inches diameter.
PLATE V. 8 inches diameter.
PLATE VII. 8 inches diameter.
THE BOTTLE. Version 10. Unidentified pottery.
PLATE VIII. 6.5 inches diameter. Brown transfer.
THE EFFECTS OF THE BOTTLE
This set of (apparently) 6 transfers, dated 1849, appears on plates made by Middlesbrough Pottery. They are most commonly printed in brown with added colour on the same style of plate as described earlier in 7 inch or 8 inch diameter. Although some backs are blank they can have the "MIDDLESBROUGH POTTERY" anchor impress, small circular impress or a transfer printed number. The final plate shown here is printed in black, without added colour and on a plate with a border of 4 roses.
Plate 1st. THE LIQUOR IS BROUGHT OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE JOURNEYMAN URGES THE APPRENTICE "JUST TO TAKE A DROP". Plate 2nd. THE APPRENTICE REPEATS THE DRAUGHT AT THE PUBLIC HOUSE, AND NEGLECTS HIS WORK FOR THE SKITTLE GROUND. Plate 3rd. HAVING GAMBLED AWAY HIS MONEY AT THE CARD TABLE, HE IS TURNED OUT WITH EMPTY POCKETS. Plate 4th. DRUNK & DISORDERLY IN THE STREET, HE BECOMES ACQUAINTED WITH THE POLICE STATION. Plate 5th. THE DRUNKEN APPRENTICE BECOMES A DRUNKEN JOURNEYMAN, AND NOW CHOOSES A WIFE FROM THE STREETS AND THE DRAM SHOP. Plate 6th. DISCHARGED FROM HIS WORK IN WANT & IN DEBT THE PARTNER OF HIS VICE BECOMES THE SHARER OF HIS MISERY. |
Plate 6th. 8.25 inches diameter with rose lip. Reverse shows "MIDDLESBROUGH POTTERY" anchor impress, a crown impress, and numbers printed in black.