teapot

Summary

Public: Elongated hexagonal teapot, white salt-glazed stoneware, with slip-cast relief decoration depicting Admiral Vernon and the taking of Portobello. Private: Elongated hexagonal teapot on flat spreading foot, with bowed sides tapering toward neck, short flat shoulder, and short straight neck. S-shaped spout with relief decoration of scrolling plants and flowers, handle missing. Two-part slip-cast body, with relief decoration along one long side of six battleships at sea before fortified town of Portobello in the background. Inscription in top left reads 'PORTO / BELLO / TAKEN'. Opposite side decorated with full length portrait of Admiral Vernon, standing on the shore with large open-mouthed fish on the sea below him, leafy tree to left and ship to right with Fort Chagres in the background. Inscription in top left continues 'BY AD / VERNON' and in top right 'FORT CHAGRE'. Shorter sides to left and right of spout and handle, decorated with exotic birds perched amongst fruiting leafy branches. Ribbed decoration to shoulder, small impressed circles and crosses decoratiing foot.