A Rare E.B. Fishley Slipware Jug, Fremington, North Devon, England, Late 19th C.

Description

Here we have a splendid one quart (two-pint) jug made by Edwin Beer Fishley of the celebrated Fremington Potteries, situated close to the busy country market towns of Bideford and Barnstaple, North Devon, England.

E.B. Fishley was descended from an important family of North Devon slipware potters and continued in this tradition while also introducing new glaze effects and styles. Born in 1832 and took over the pottery in 1860. He was much admired by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada.

Covered in iron yellow galena glaze with splashes of copper green to the neck and incised in graffito with an early North Devon legend: “Since man is but an earthen jug, this jug then let us fill, and this to compare jolly boys, good liquor welcome still”. Also on the left hand side of the pot is a delightful interpretation of a foaming jug with two clay pipes crossed below, representing friendship, again in sgraffito.

In the 18th & 19th centuries the Fishley family made exuberant and much-admired harvest jugs, and models by grandfather George, his sons Edmund & Robert, and by the late 19th century Edwin (George’s grandson) was running the potworks, experimenting and introducing new colours, his green glaze was particularly highly regarded.

An interesting and detailed account of the history of the Fremington Potteries in the form of a handwritten letter, information attributed to G. Bernard Hughes, was supplied with this wonderful pot and is now included in the sale.

Date
Late 19th Century.

Dimensions
6.5” H x 6.5” W   O/A approx. (including handle)

Condition
In good condition with only minor wear commensurate with age and use. What appear to be chips on the rim are handling knocks by E.B. Fishley while decorating the jug and are all under the glaze.

The base glaze has worn patches with wear, but the hand-written “E.B. Fishley” signature and the word “Fremington” can be read clearly in a good light. Edwin died in 1912.

Price
£425   $559-USD.

Ref Number: 521111A
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