George III teapot

Thomas Billinge

Summary

Tall globular teapot on flat base, with leaf-moulded spout and handle, two outer spurs along handle with third at lower terminal. Transfer-printed in overglaze red on side to left of handle, with left side profile head and chest portrait of George III flanked by flags, weapons and two scrolls inscribed 'GEORGE III KING / OF GREAT BRITAIN'. Small map of Cuba inscribed 'I. / CUBA' (Seven Years War & Capture of Cuba) beneath scroll in bottom left. Side to right of handle printed with scrollwork cartouche containing scene of lion killing a cockerel. Shallow domed circular cover with pierced baluster finial, printed in red with scattered insects and floral and fruiting sprigs. Pale cream coloured earthenware body with fine crazed yellowish-green glaze.

Display Label

Gallery subtheme panel Telling Tales With the passing of time, life becomes history. What happens today is transformed by tomorrow into just another story that fades and is forgotten. But we look for ways of holding onto history, of fixing it, keeping it real and alive for future generations to know. Mementoes, keepsakes and souvenirs form the subject of this display. Objects that celebrate and commemorate, that speak of lives lived and events unfolding, from the coronation of kings to the fond memory of a seaside holiday. Some of these stories are from recent history; things you might well remember yourself. Others are older, tales from centuries ago. All of these things happened once, and were as real as this morning's news. The cheapest souvenir can be a potent reminder.