Dixon Austin pictorial inscriptions
John White, Ipswich
On this jug, a ship has been painted into the centre of the three ships transfer.
Dart of Folkston
The Blacksmith's Epitaph
This hand-painted verse and vignettes appear to have been copied from a transfer found on Staffordshire pottery (shown right). The (presumed) Staffordshire jug is canary yellow with silver resist. However, both Sunderland and Newcastle potteries also made canary yellow wares, so the attribution needs some work. The pink-lustre jug is unmistakably Dixon Austin.
Friendly societies
Large scale industrial growth led to the formation of friendly societies in the first part of the 19th century and beyond. Members paid a subscription and were insured against illness and death. The Sunderland Museum records the first friendly society lodge opening in Sunderland in 1832. However, the decorative style of the jugs below suggests they were painted in the mid to late 1820s during the Dixon, Austin & Co partnership at the Sunderland / Garrison Pottery.
Bricklayers' Arms
Photo Ian Holmes
Grocers' Arms
Painter's Arms
Although these Arms aren't hand-painted, I have included them here for their subject and hand-painted inscription.
Ropers' Arms
Photo Clevedon Salerooms
Smiths' Arms
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums collection
Photo Skinner Auctioneers
An alternative rendering of the Smiths' Arms.
