Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Beautiful Jugs, and not a silicone implant in sight!

You will know how on occasion I like to show you some of the different pattern designs that Powell Bishop & Stonier used on the same mould shapes; how in using different patterns and surface treatments they could re-invent a shape and extent it's longevity, especially useful if there was a large stock of blank pieces in storage. Well, here are some examples of jugs and their accompanying wash sets dating from around the mid 1880s.

 One of mine
 tragically undersold on Ebay and I MISSED IT!  DOH!!
Sold at auction in 2006 for £450

found for sale in Hungerford

Making Connections

Here are two jugs that will look familiar to regular visitors to this blog.  They belong to a Dutch collector called Bart who has graciously agreed that I can share pics with you.  The image, designed by Louis Rhead, is a contentious one as neither I, nor Bart, are sure if it indicates that Rhead worked as a designer for Bishop & Stonier, whether the image was licensed for use by them, or even whether the image was used by the retailer (in this case, the jug is marked as being retailed by Goodyer) who perhaps applied them to B&S blanks.  The tall, thin jug is a regular shape used by Bishop & Stonier and can be found with other coloured examples of this Pre-Raphaelite maiden, dragons, holly hock flowers, rainbow ware stripes and no doubt,   several other patterns that I have yet to come across.  The shape of the smaller jug seems familiar, but I don't have any in my collection, nor in my store of photos from my internet browsing.  I can't be sure then if it was a design that was sold by Bishop & Stonier, or whether it was commissioned specially for Goodyers.  But at the end of the day, it's academic, and what is most interesting to me is that this one designed was re-used in various colourways and on different body shapes.  It is possible that it appears on plates, vases and bowls too.  IF  you have one, PLEASE get in touch!

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

A proper brew

 There is nothing in life that a good brew can't put right!  And what better way to enjoy my Earl Grey (yes, i'm a heathen, i take it with milk), than in an Abbey patterned mug by Bishop & Stonier.  There are many precious antiques out there, but i think they're so much more satisfying to collect when you can actually use them as well.

About Me

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Sometimes, life doesn't turn out the way you expected. And sometimes, it is exactly as it was 'meant' to be. I believe that life is a both a learning experience and an obstacle course to be climbed and clambered over in the most creative way possible! In doing so, you'll get to where you should be even if it's not where you'd imagined.