Page 12 - Alan Blakeman Collection catalogue

GIANTS
As a potter I learnt the problems of high firing stoneware first hand. Temperatures of 1250-1280 degrees centigrade find any faults in the manufacture of goods, body stresses caused during throwing, poor joints to handles or any kind
of additions to a main body, glaze flaws/ running, shrinkage issues etc.
As a collector I turned my sights towards chasing very large items after discussions sat with my Doulton authority mentor Jocelyn Lukins. We concluded
small pottery items survive with age as they tend to be placed in cabinets, thus protected. Larger items (often
for exhibition/ show) having survived the perils of high firing generally get damaged/ discarded from use or getting knocked. So, my love affair with large items was born!
16. LIVERPOOL GIANT PROMOTIONAL PUB DISPLAY JUG. 13.5ins. Cream bodied jug (crazing), inside all white, rear handle, wonderfully ornamented
applied lip and carrying handle, below lip, to aid lifting such a heavy piece with attached flared foot. Adorned with light blue sprigs of leaves/ foliage, classic figures.
Dark blue impressed lettering across the belly (above handle) JOSEPH
SMITH/ OIL GAS TAVERN/ COMUS STREET/ LIVERPOOL. Various
damages, rivet repairs - view additional images on easylive. A lot of pot for th money? 7/10. NR.
£170-220+
17. HALIFAX GIANT PROMOTIONAL PUB DISPLAY JUG. 18ins tall. Very dark tan salt glaze, heavily sprigged with
floral designs, coat of arms, knight on horse back, man with medals, rear handle. Inner grey/ green slip
glaze. Impressed below lip JOHN CROWTHER/ NO 1 COMMERCIAL
INN/ HALIFAX. Very heavy item. Handle broke and reglued, several body/ sprig flakes. No base marking - inner
glaze suggests Chesterfield
area. An exceptional and important offering. 7/10. NR. £600-800