mug

Summary

Mug, drab-coloured salt-glazed stoneware, with applied white handle and relief decoration. Shaped cylindrical mug of drab grey stoneware, with curved base on turned spreading foot, slightly waisted body and everted rim. Applied white ear-shaped loop handle with prominent pinched spur at lower terminal. Body decorated with applied white pipe clay ornaments stamped with metal dies, comprising a rosette flanked by two groups of pendant scrollwork around body, and cable twist border embellished with pendant scrollwork and flowers around neck. Interior washed with a fine white slip.

Display Label

The Thomas Greg Collection The Greg Collection of English Pottery was given to the Gallery in 1904 by collector and amateur historian Thomas Greg. One of the great collections of English pottery, it was formed at a time when little was known about the history of ceramics in this country. Over forty years Greg systematically acquired some of the best examples of the potter's art, tracing its development over a thousand years. His collection tells the story of English pottery: of experiment and invention, triumph and downfall, from the unknown medieval craftsman to the world domination of Josiah Wedgwood. In many ways, it is a history of England itself. Greg was driven by a fascination with the past and a desire to contribute to scholarly knowledge. He gave his collection to the Gallery in the hope of inspiring a similar sense of wonder in others.