Flagons are vessels with a handle and spout used to hold alcoholic beverages, usually wine. In colonial times it would have been set on a table to share with friends or family.A brown and beige ceramic Port wine flagon or jug, with a handle and cork stopper.'Draytons Bellevue Vineyards Family Port. Wine product of Australia. Produced and bottled on the estate by Drayton & Sons Pty. Ltd. Pokolbin 2320. 1 Litre'jugs, pouring vessels, flagons, containers, stoneware

Stephen Drew was Nintingbool Potteries Stephen (Steve) Drew studied at the Ballarat Technical Art School (a division of the Ballarat School of Mines) and RMIT. He worked as a secondary school teacher for a short time before setting up Nintingbool Potteries in a bush setting at Smythes Creek, near Ballarat, in 1974. He made a wide range of functional pottery high-fired in stoneware and porcelain, later concentrating on one-off sculptural pieces. Steve Drew was instrumental in setting up the Ballarat Ceramic Group, which operated for twenty years, and is a member of the Golden Plains Art Trail. His pottery mark is recorded as an impressed 'N' in a circle, or an incised 'Drew'. Bell shaped bottle by Nintingbool Potteriesaustralian studio pottery, ceramics, bottle, steve drew, stephen drew, nintingbool potteries, ballarat pottery group

Established by George Guthrie in 1857 (about 5km north of its current site) and then again seven years later in 1864 after it initially closed, Bendigo Pottery remains one of the most influential and longest running Pottery’s in Australia. Over the years the Pottery has contributed to the growth and development of the district through both its products including building products, table ware and decorative and commemorative war as well as artistically, being responsible for training and supporting many potters locally. The City of Greater Bendigo has had a long history of partnering with Bendigo Pottery and the Civic Collection holds a number of important items within its collection. This John C Watson (Chris Watson) 'reform' flask was one of a limited edition character bottles produced by the Pottery to commemorate important figures in Australian politics. He was the first Labour Prime Minister elected forming a minority government in April 1904, aged 37, after the ALP withdrew its support from Deakin. He was one of the first socialists to head a government in a parliamentary system, attracting international attention, and remains Australia's youngest prime minister. After less than four months in office, the Watson government lost a confidence motion and Watson was succeeded as prime minister by anti-socialist George Reid. The original reform flasks were English salt-glazed stoneware flasks produced in the early 19th century shaped into the form of figures connected with the Reform Bill of 1832. Much was made of puns like ‘the spirit of reform’ at the time. Artist John Frith has taken the reform flask form as inspiration for a series of political ceramics of some Australian Prime Ministers. The series included Edmund Barton, Alfred Deakin and Watson.Glazed ceramic flask in the shape John Watson. Square shaped with most of the detail on the front facing side other than head which is more detailed. Cork still in place in top of head.On reverse of flask; John C Watson / Prime Minister / of Australia / 27.4.1904 / To / 18 .08. 1904 Bendigo Pottery / LMTED / Edition Series / 55/1200 /Australia Signed lower centre; 'Frith'australian politics, bendigo pottery

Established by George Guthrie in 1857 (about 5km north of its current site) and then again seven years later in 1864 after it initially closed, Bendigo Pottery remains one of the most influential and longest running Pottery’s in Australia. Over the years the Pottery has contributed to the growth and development of the district through both its products including building products, table ware and decorative and commemorative war as well as artistically, being responsible for training and supporting many potters locally. The City of Greater Bendigo has had a long history of partnering with Bendigo Pottery and the Civic Collection holds a number of important items within its collection. This Sir Edmund Barton 'reform' flask was one of a limited edition character bottles produced by the Pottery to commemorate his contribution to Australian politics. Edmund Barton became Australia’s first Prime Minister on New Year’s Day 1901, at a huge public ceremony in Centennial Park in Sydney. Reform flasks were English salt-glazed stoneware flasks produced in the early 19th century shaped into the form of figures connected with the Reform Bill of 1832. Much was made of puns like ‘the spirit of reform’ at the time. Artist John Frith has taken the reform flask form as inspiration for a series of political ceramics of some Australian Prime Ministers. The series includes Edmund Barton, Alfred Deakin and Chris Watson. Glazed ceramic flask in the shape of Sir Edmund Barton. Square shaped with most of the detail on the front facing side other than head which is more detailed. Cork still in place in top of head.On reverse of flask; Sir Edmund / Barton / Prime Minister / of Australia / 1901 to 1908 Bendigo Pottery / LMTED / Edition Series / 110/1200 /Australia Signed lower centre; 'Frith'australian politics, bendigo pottery

Established by George Guthrie in 1857 (about 5km north of its current site) and then again seven years later in 1864 after it initially closed, Bendigo Pottery remains one of the most influential and longest running Pottery’s in Australia. Over the years the Pottery has contributed to the growth and development of the district through both its products including building products, table ware and decorative and commemorative war as well as artistically, being responsible for training and supporting many potters locally. The City of Greater Bendigo has had a long history of partnering with Bendigo Pottery and the Civic Collection holds a number of important items within its collection. This Alfred Deakin 'reform' flask was one of a limited edition character bottles produced by the Pottery to commemorate important figures in Australian politics. The original reform flasks were English salt-glazed stoneware flasks produced in the early 19th century shaped into the form of figures connected with the Reform Bill of 1832. Much was made of puns like ‘the spirit of reform’ at the time. Artist John Frith has taken the reform flask form as inspiration for a series of political ceramics of some Australian Prime Ministers. The series includes Edmund Barton, Alfred Deakin and Chris Watson.Glazed ceramic flask in the shape Alfred Deakin. Square shaped with most of the detail on the front facing side other than head which is more detailed. Cork still in place in top of head.On reverse of flask; Alfred Deakin / Prime Minister / of Australia / 1903 - 1904 / 1905 - 1908 / 1909 - 1910 Bendigo Pottery / LMTED / Edition Series / 101/200 /Australia Signed lower left; 'Frith'australian politics, bendigo pottery

These demijohns were commonly used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for bulk storage and transportation of alcoholic beverages, vinegar, and other liquids. The Natimuk Hotel and A.M. KIEFEL Wine Merchant markings indicate that these were used in local commerce, possibly for refilling or distribution. Stoneware jugs like these were reusable and refillable, making them an early example of sustainable packaging.A collection of three stoneware demijohns, used historically for storing and transporting liquids such as wine, spirits, or vinegar. Each jug features a cylindrical body, a narrow neck, and a small pouring spout. Two jugs have a distinctive two-tone glaze, with a glossy brown top and cream-colored lower section, while the third jug is fully beige with an unglazed lower portion. The two brown-topped jugs have embossed lettering: Left Jug: Marked "J.T. NEWTONS Natimuk Hotel, Natimuk", indicating it was commissioned for use by the Natimuk Hotel. Right Jug: Marked "A. M. KIEFLE Wine Merchant, Natimuk", suggesting it was used by a local wine merchant in Natimuk.bottle, wine, hotel, commercial item

Stoneware and ceramic containers were essential household items before glass and plastic became common. Bottles with manufacturer stamps can provide valuable information about local businesses and industries from the period. The variety of containers suggests both household and commercial uses, reflecting life in the 19th and early 20th centuries.This collection consists of various stoneware and ceramic containers, including a large lidded bread bin, demijohns, and small storage jars. The items are glazed in different colors, including cream, brown, and blue, with some featuring embossed markings or labels. Stoneware Bread Bin (Left) A large, round stoneware container with a matching lid and a central handle knob. Cream-colored with a brown glazed rim. Likely used for storing bread, flour, or other pantry items. Demijohns (Center and Right) Two large stoneware jugs with narrow necks and cork openings. The jug at the front-centre has embossed writing, which may indicate a distillery, brewery, or merchant brand. Typically used for storing liquids such as spirits, vinegar, or oils. Smaller Stoneware Jars (Front and Left) Various tall, narrow jars with wide openings, glazed in brown and cream. These may have been used for ink, medicine, sauces, or condiments. Blue Ceramic Jar with Lid (Center) A dark blue cylindrical jar with a matching lid. Possibly used for tea, spices, or apothecary storage. Wooden Container (Front Right) A small wooden jar with a lid, which may have been used for storing snuff, spices, or medicinal powders.jars, demijohn, wine, commercial item, bread, household item