Russell

Lord John Russell , first Earl Russell – 1792–1878

The Rt Hon Lord John Russell MP, published by Peter Jackson of London and Paris. In 1813, Russell became a Whig MP at the age of 20. Russell was an advocate of reform throughout the 1820s.

The Whigs came to power in 1830, and Russell was appointed Paymaster of the Forces in Earl Grey's Government, and was a principal player in pushing through the Reform Act in 1832.

He would go on to serve two terms as Prime Minister, firstly from 1846–52 and then from 1865–66.

The North East pottery commemoratives all date from the Reform period c1832. There are examples of both North East and Staffordshire transfers with the name misspelt as 'RUSSEL'.

Photo Mary Evans Picture Library

Lord John Russell – Sunderland

Dixon, Austin & Co, Sunderland (Garrison) Pottery

The transfer on a typical Dixon-Austin frog mug from the early 1830s. The frog has red eyes and mouth. This transfer appears to be a naively drawn copy of the Chesworth & Robinson / Chetworth & Robinson version below found on Staffordshire items. The name is misspelt with one 'L'.

Lord John Russell – Tyneside

Unidentified Tyne Pottery

The red and green striped enamels suggest Sunderland rather than Tyneside. Again, the transfer with rose, thistle and shamrock, appears to be copied the C&R items below. The name is again misspelt with one 'L'.

Attributed to Robert Maling, Ouseburn Bridge Pottery

This transfer has flags either side with 'Queen' and 'Blues for ever' written on them. Queen Adelaide was apparently a staunch supporter of the Tory party. Her commitment to reform was less clear. Read more here.

The transfer is accompanied by another with two ships titled William IV on the jug below. To date, no ship with that name has been found. William had previously been given the command of HMS Andromeda, and was appointed Rear Admiral on HMS Valiant. On ascending the throne he became popularly known as the 'Sailor King' (see the transfer on the jug above).