On display
Image of Gallery in South Kensington

Jug

1889 (design registered)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
Extensive glass table services became increasingly popular towards the end of the 19th century. Cheaply made, in pressed glass, such elaborate sets became widely available. The cream jug was an essential part of a tea service. Both tea and coffee were generally served with milk.

Materials & Making
The technique of press-moulding glass with the aid of a hand-operated machine was first perfected in the United States of America in the early 1820s. It took only two people to shape a measured quantity of hot glass in a heated metal mould. By simply depressing a lever, a metal plunger was lowered into the glass, forcing it into the patterned mould. By the 1830s this method had spread to Europe and Britain, giving rise to stylistic changes and revolutionising the availability of glassware. The technique made the mid- to late 19th century the first period of true mass production. In the 1890s the introduction of steam-powered presses improved quality while cutting costs even further.

In 1889 George Davidson patented a new production method for two new colours, under the name of Primrose and Blue 'Pearline'. The novelty of this extremely popular line was that the colour of each piece gradually changed from clear at the bottom to opaque at the top.

People
This jug was made by 'George Davidson & Co., Teams Glass Works' at Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. Founded in 1867, they soon became one of the most famous and prolific manufacturers of pressed glass in Britain.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Press-moulded blue Pearline glass
Brief description
Pearline jug, made by Geo. Davidson & Co., Teams Glass Works, Gateshead-on-Tyne, 1889-1900
Dimensions
  • Height: 11cm
  • Including spout and handle width: 12cm
not recorded Dimensions checked: Measured; 01/02/2000 by JC
Style
Marks and inscriptions
Registration number 130643 for 13/8/1889 Mark: 'Rd 130643', moulded (Registration number)
Object history
Made by George Davidson, Teams Glass Works, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear
Summary
Object Type
Extensive glass table services became increasingly popular towards the end of the 19th century. Cheaply made, in pressed glass, such elaborate sets became widely available. The cream jug was an essential part of a tea service. Both tea and coffee were generally served with milk.

Materials & Making
The technique of press-moulding glass with the aid of a hand-operated machine was first perfected in the United States of America in the early 1820s. It took only two people to shape a measured quantity of hot glass in a heated metal mould. By simply depressing a lever, a metal plunger was lowered into the glass, forcing it into the patterned mould. By the 1830s this method had spread to Europe and Britain, giving rise to stylistic changes and revolutionising the availability of glassware. The technique made the mid- to late 19th century the first period of true mass production. In the 1890s the introduction of steam-powered presses improved quality while cutting costs even further.

In 1889 George Davidson patented a new production method for two new colours, under the name of Primrose and Blue 'Pearline'. The novelty of this extremely popular line was that the colour of each piece gradually changed from clear at the bottom to opaque at the top.

People
This jug was made by 'George Davidson & Co., Teams Glass Works' at Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. Founded in 1867, they soon became one of the most famous and prolific manufacturers of pressed glass in Britain.
Collection
Accession number
CIRC.802-1966

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdDecember 13, 1997
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest