Historical information

Traditional salt-glazed stoneware pot produced by Stephen Green Imperial Potteries, Lambeth, London.They manufactured earthenware from 1828 to 1831 and stoneware from 1831 t0 1858. The pottery was located at Princes Street, Lambeth and consisted of two floors containing numerous kilns, a modelling room and a crushing mill.Potteries existed along the Thames River from Roman times between Vauxhall Bridge and Lambeth Bridge. In the eighteenth century the industry concentrated in Staffordshire. Stephen Green was one of three potteries that continued to produce pottery in Lambeth between 1828 and 1858. This pot is somewhat unique having a different mark to standard identifying a patent for double glazing and a unique frieze pattern. It thus may be an early example of stoneware from this company.

Significance

Due to its unusual trade mark and frieze pattern, this is a rare example of early stoneware produced in the London area in the nineteenth century. The trade mark identifies a patent awarded for double glazing on stoneware. Produced by Stephen Green Imperial Potteries, it is a rare example of pottery for its time and location. Some sources identify it as being produced in 1830.

Physical description

Small earthenware/stoneware traditional salt-glazed storage jar, bi-coloured in cinnamon and cream. Opening measures 4cm. Unusual frieze band at lower end of cinnamon section. Bears an unusual makers impression on bottom section. Slight chip on base. Also firing crack measuring 4 cm on base.

Inscriptions & markings

Slightly elliptical circle impression with the words 'Stephen Green / Patent / Double Glaze / Imperial