Mug 1854 - 1862

William Bloor crafted this mug from white stoneware, sometime in the 19th century. Bloor, working in a period defined by Britain’s extensive colonial endeavors, made decorative arts during a time of significant social and economic change. Mugs like this, adorned with neoclassical motifs and portraits of historical figures, reflect the aspirations and values of the era's middle and upper classes. The whiteness of the stoneware, resembling marble, evokes a sense of purity and classical elegance. The figure represented is thought to be that of George Washington; an interesting choice perhaps, for a British artist working several decades after the American Revolution? It's tempting to think about who might have used this mug, and what social rituals it was part of. Did it serve beverages that came from colonized lands? Tea, perhaps, or coffee? While it appears a simple vessel, it invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between craft, class, and colonial history.