Figural
Pepper Pots 1830-1900
The
Victorians must have started the craze for potting gentlemen
and lady folk for our table condiments. Before this date
most of the figural shakers I have seen have been used for
dusting gent's wigs or for ladies hatpin holders. There
are a selection of naval and military models with wide shoulders
and medals on chest. Toby like figures in male and female
versions, Punch and Judy characters and representatives
of the law.
A
complete set of condiments would consist of four portly
gentlemen, pepper, salt, mustard and vinegar, with some
having detachable hats. These would enhance any table and
are something different from the fine creamware cruets and
stands that graced the larger house tables of the day.
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A
set of Staffordshire condiments circa 1850
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A
set of willow condiments circa 1830-1900
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The
Prestonpans Scottish factory first produced condiments
with good colour, cobalt blue coats, with hats and bases
trimmed with the willow design. This was soon copied
by the Staffordshire factories and was made up until
the 20th century. Most common to survive is the pepper
pot, probably unwashed it has come though unscathed.
Salt would have been sprinkled with fingers, so a gent
with a basket on his head would have been top heavy
and easily knocked over.
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Roger
Giles is always a topic of conversation, a seated gentleman
relieving himself. References say: He was a Devonshire schoolteacher
who placed an advert in his local news paper to sell his fresh
eggs "new laid by him every day." Always looking
for interesting news items to pot, the Staffordshire factories
potted him laying his own eggs. The Roger Giles picture shown
above is in an earlier Prattware palette.
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A
selection of condiments circa 1850-1900
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A
selection of condiments circa 1860-1890
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A
collection of Staffordshire inkwells, condiments and
whatnot jars. Circa 1860-1870
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Inkwell
and whatnot jars were also potted alongside the condiments,
they represent snuff takers seated and round portly
ladies and gentlemen as jars whose hats are detachable.
All these in a wonderful richness of enamel colour and
underglaze cobalt blue coats; their size and character
sit well and always complements a pepper pot collection.
Copyright
© 2011 : All rights reserved Ray and Diane Ginns
www.rarepottery.com
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