Joseph Sewell-attributed inscriptions
To date, I've found only a very limited number of inscriptions attributable to Sewell's St Anthony's Pottery, Newcastle, and most relate to Lambton and Powlett's election campaigns for Durham County, in either 1820 or 1826. Ian Holmes owns a fabulous Dixon, Austin jug with inscriptions for Lambton and Powlett in 1820, so perhaps the earlier date is more likely.
The attribution of these relief-moulded jugs is not as straightforward as it might be. Sewell & Donkin are known to have made similar marked wares. Note the grape-vine motif on the collar of the marked jug below, which also appears on the unmarked political items. Also, compare the shape of this jug with the unmarked William Brown Cheviet jug below. There are similarities in the formation of the wide spout.
The attribution of these relief-moulded jugs is not as straightforward as it might be. Sewell & Donkin are known to have made similar marked wares. Note the grape-vine motif on the collar of the marked jug below, which also appears on the unmarked political items. Also, compare the shape of this jug with the unmarked William Brown Cheviet jug below. There are similarities in the formation of the wide spout.
However, the jug above appears in Joseph Sewell's 'Book of Designs' (see Clarice and Harold Blakey, 1993), whereas those below, with what might be described as a 'figurehead' handle, do not. Thomas Fell, at the nearby St Peter's Pottery, is also known to have produced relief-moulded pottery with vine motifs.
Photo Appleby Antiques
The distinctive lower case 'f' is very similar to the Lambton mug above. Also, the 'C' of 'Crawford' is a good match for the 'Cheviot' jug at the top of the page. This shape of handle is known to have been used by Sewell and appears in his 'Book of Designs'. Note also the use of green enamel, which appears on many of the items on this page.
This jug pairs with the one above, but has a cottage on one side and a building with a flat roof on the other. Michael Gibson lists this pair of jugs as 'probably Staffordshire', but in my view they are certainly made in the North East.
Although this jug doesn't have an inscription, I've included it because of the cottage decoration. Note the handle matches those on the Lambton jugs.
