Pitcher
PeriodCirca 1793 - 1800
Place MadeToxteth, Liverpool, England
MediumCreamware
Dimensions11 × 9 × 9 in. (27.9 × 22.9 × 22.9 cm)
ClassificationsPolitical Memorabilia
Credit LineGift of Mrs. James A. Parker, 1938
Object number1194
DescriptionA large creamware pitcher, with a bulbous body, footless base, wide rim with a large pouring spout, and a graceful handle. The soft white body includes bold transfer prints in black, with George Washington on one side, surrounded by floral and foliate vines and the names of 15 states including New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Vermont, and Kentucky. On the verso, a large three-masted sailing vessel is depicted, with an American flag with 15 stars, with the addition of some color including green, blue, and red. The pour spout is ornamented with stylized leaves, while under the spout is the monogram "W E M" above an American eagle and the inscription "E Pluribus Unum."Curatorial RemarksMany of England's ceramic factories and potteries churned out goods for the American market even right after the American Revolution. After the war, ceramics including mugs, pitchers, tea and coffee pots, plates, bowls and even chamber pots adorned with images of George Washington flooded the American market. This particular pitcher includes Washington's image surrounded by the names of fifteen states, an American eagle with the country's motto "E Pluribus Unum," and a dramatic sailing ship with an American flag. This pitcher is attributed to the Herculaneum Pottery in Toxteth, Liverpool, England. Founded in about 1793, the firm made creamware, pearlware and bone china porcelain for both the domestic and overseas markets. The firm continued until 1841.NotesDonor Rebecca Kidder Parker (1876-1948) and husband James A. Parker (1873-1958) lived in Freehold for a number of years before moving to Ridgewood, Bergen County, New Jersey. Mrs. Parker donated the Liverpool pitcher to the Association in 1938. At that time, she identified the monogram "W.E.M." as being "William Edward Matthews," whom she described as a relative of the family. Research is currently underway to identify William Edward Matthews.
