Historical information

This is a souvenir mug produced for visitors to the ‘Mary Rose’ Exhibition in Warrnambool (December 1994 to February 1995). The ship ‘Mary Rose’, built in Portsmouth, England in 1509-10, was historically of major significance. She was the spearhead of a master plan to give England superiority on the high seas. Using new technology of the time, heavy artillery was mounted on the lower decks of this ship and this overloaded the ship. In 1545 she sank in Portsmouth Harbour with the loss of 700 lives as she was about to set sail to defend the English against the French invaders. In 1982 the hull of this ship was raised to the surface and the contents recovered. Over 200 items from the wreck were brought to Warrnambool and displayed in 1994-5 at the Warrnambool Art Gallery.

Significance

This is a souvenir from a interesting and major exhibition which was held in Warrnambool in 1994/95. It is one of a number of items which were massed produced for the event.

Physical description

Cream ceramic jug which has a fluted rim . It has an oval bulb shape at the bottom section which is topped with a more narrow circular rim. It has matching rings around the base and the neck of the jug. There is an image of The ship The Mary Rose in black on one side of the jug and printing in a dusty red on the back of the jug. It has a stylised rope handle with mottling of black.

Inscriptions & markings

"Mary Rose" Exhibition Warrnambool 1994-1995 on jug. Lady Bay Creations Warrnambool creations Australia on base of jug.