Beaton's Jug Collection

A large collection of Victorian stoneware comes for sale from the family of Margaret and David Beaton on September 16. Some 26 lots, some of them containing a dozen pieces, will be offered as part of our Homes & Interiors auction.

David Beaton was a keen member of Northern Ceramics Society. He made his first purchase at a Phillips auction in 1974 and was hooked. White and brown stoneware jugs with relief moulded decoration were a particular favourite. He studied the design registration marks and lozenges that appear on many pieces and featured in Homes & Antiques magazine in April 2006 when a campaign was launched to save them from the axe. 

The subjects that appear on these jugs are myriad - many of them recording a moment in politics, a famous figure, a popular tale or a nugget of social history. They represent great value for money in the current market.

A fine quality jug made by the Charles Meigh factory in the gothic revival style depicting the 12 Apostles has a guide of £50-80 while a lot of two jugs, one commemorating the death of Prince Albert in 1861, the other by Machin and Potts moulded with a portrait of Robert Burns is expected to bring £100-150.

Four pieces of Victorian brown stoneware have an estimate of £100-200. In addition to two Doulton jugs (one with a printed view of the Tower of London) and a baluster shaped money box is a 25cm flask in the form of a pistol made by the Fulham pottery. The latter in particular is a rare novelty and in much better condition than most survivors. 

For more information contact Briony Harford

brionyharford@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778