beaker (part of a lemonade set)

Eric Ravilious 1903 - 1942

Summary

Beaker shaped mug tapering to foot, with plain loop handle. Side of mug to left of handle printed underglaze in black with group of garden implements including fork, rake, broomstick, hoe, spade, shears and scythe, in a wooden barrel intertwined with leafy winding stems. Two single large leaves to left and right of barrel, over a watering can to left and a broomstick to right. Details such as underside of leaves, winding leafy stems and ends of broomsticks picked out in a pale pink metallic lustre. Other side of mug left plain. Narrow black enamel band to rim.

Display Label

Jug and beaker from a lemonade set 1938 Eric Ravilious 1903-42 Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Ltd Billy, Gallery Officer: What do I think when I see that? Lots of hard work. When the allotment was all overgrown I actually went to buy a scythe and when I priced it up I was gobsmacked! £300 at B&Q, I’m not kidding you. Hannah, Curator: Which of these tools would you use then? Billy: Hoe. That’s the most common item I’d use. Sometimes for best plot competitions people will trim it up to perfection - I was very regimented with my lines, but not edging. That spade would break your back - the handle’s too short. My handles were really tall. The rake I’d use for when I did potatoes, just for tidying up. Part of the Industrial Art Collection, a pioneering collecting project begun in 1933 by Director Lawrence Haward to collect examples of contemporary design for mass production. Purchased from the manufacturer 1939.239/241