Jugs (Shire Library)

Before the days of modern packaging, the only vessel available for fetching, storing or serving liquids was the simple jug. Jugs were the staple product of many pottery firms and, since most households would need several, the potential market was vast and there was great competition among the manufacturers. Decorative jugs sold best and despite the fact that jugs were essentially utilitarian, a vast number of attractive designs emerged. Although jugs from the eighteenth century are scarce, those from the nineteenth century have survived in large numbers and can fill many a collection. This book reveals the many and varied techniques of decorating jugs throughout the ages, with special emphasis on the sprigged, printed and moulded wares that have survived in such quantity. An ideal introduction to the history and design of jugs.

Dick Henrywood worked in engineering and computing for 25 years before embarking on a new career as an author and lecturer and, for a time, as the specialist responsible for collectors' items at a leading auction house. He has a major collection of nineteenth century earthenwares and stonewares, and his collection of jugs has been exhibited at Salisbury Museum. He has written articles for antiques magazines, as well as a number of books, including 'Bookmarkers' for Shire, with A.W. Coysh. The author lives in Devon, England.