Bakewells Pottery (Bakewell Brothers) began operations in Erskinville way back in 1884, initially producing pipes and tiles but (as is often the case for potteries of this time) later expanding the product range which eventually included kitchenware, such as this stubby jug.
If you would like to know more about Bakewells, take a look HERE for a very comprehensive essay on the company, it's history and products produced.
This stubby jug is offered as an example of Bakewells products of the time, it is NOT perfect and does have manufacturing defects but even so, it still has a certain "charm" and of course Australian history
This type of kitchenware was very commonly available pre-plastics days, every Mum had her kitchen full of ceramic based kitchenware until the onslaught of the plastic revolution in the 1960's ~ 1970's
BAKEWELLS POTTERY - Stubby Utility Jug
Colour: Pale Lemon
Glazed inside and out, intended for liquids - not a gravy boat as I saw someone call this! It's the most ugly gravy boat I have ever seen and far too large!
DIMENSIONS:
Mouth: 90mm diameter with short pouring spout
Jug diameter (widest central point) 120mm
Weight: 700g
COSMETIC CONDITION:
Overall this stubby jug is in very good, clean condition but it is not without some flaws (manufacturing)
NO cracks
NO crazing
NO chips or other physical damage through use
If you are expecting a pristine piece of ceramic, this is NOT for you! These kitchenware items were mass produced for the times, not as high quality fine china that you would expect from English potters. It has flaws, some of which are obvious and others not so obvious
Underneath (ONLY) there is a few spots of "glaze blistering" - this happens sometimes at the pottery works and is a result of improper firing/glazing. These blisters are only underneath
On the handle is a small blemish, like a very small blister but larger than a pinhole glaze defect.
Some pinhole glaze defects can be seen if you look VERY CLOSELY on one side near the base (little holes in the glaze)
On one side there are two areas of "darkness" like a shadow in the glaze! These two shadows are UNDER the glaze and are definitely the result of flawed manufacturing too.
But if you stand back and take a look at this charming little stubby jug, you really don't notice all the above flaws I have mentioned.
