Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2020.FIC.071 |
Object Name |
Teacup |
Title |
Morris & Willmore Company "Eggshell" Pink Teacup |
Description |
The object is a white, cylindrical-shaped teacup with gold rims on both the top and bottom. The sides of the teacup feature a textured pattern of elevated vertical and horizontal lines. The handle, located on the left side of the teacup, is shaped like a half-circle and is attached to the cup at two points-top and bottom. The top portions of the handle are horizontally aligned, while the bottom portions are vertical. A series of small horizontal gold lines run the length of the handle. The top of the teacup is open, revealing the inside, which is pink. The interior texture mirrors the pattern on the exterior. On the bottom of the cup, near the center, is a brown Morris and Wilmore logo. At the top of the logo is the word "BELLEEK." Below it, there is an image of a tulip, within which the letters "MW" are embedded-the "W" is positioned inside the right side of the "M." Beneath the tulip, a banner reads "TRENTON." According to The Trenton City Museum, the Potteries of Trenton Society, and David J. Goldberg's Preliminary Notes on the Pioneer Potters and Potteries of Trenton, N.J.: The First Thirty Years - 1852 - 1882, Morris and Wilmore Company (sometimes known as Columbian Art Pottery) was founded in 1892 by William T. Morris and Francis Willmore. Before starting their own business, both men worked for Royal Worcester and Ott and Brewer. The company was known for producing Belleek-style products and decorated white ware. Due to limited production, surviving examples of their work are extremely rare. The partnership dissolved in 1905, resulting in a forced sale. Morris continued to operate his own business, Morris China Co., for another decade. Citations Columbian Art Pottery. Potteries of Trenton Society. (n.d.). https://potteriesoftrentonsociety.org/research/records/columbian-art-pottery/ Goldberg, David J. 1998. Preliminary Notes on the Pioneer Potters and Potteries of Trenton, N.J.: The First Thirty Years – 1852 – 1882 (And Beyond). Privately published, Trenton, New Jersey. The Pottery Industry in Trenton - Trenton City Museum. Trenton City Museum -. (2022, January 5). https://ellarslie.org/collection/pottery/ |
Year Range from |
1892 |
Year Range to |
1906 |
Material |
Ceramic |
Artist |
Morris & Willmore Company |
Height (in) |
1.500 |
Length (in) |
3.000 |
Diameter (in) |
2.500 |
Condition |
Good |
Condition Notes |
Overall: A little bit of dirt on the inside and a few accretions on the bottom Front: There is nothing of note. Right Side: There is nothing of note. Back: There is nothing of note. Right Side: There is nothing of note. Top: There is nothing of note. Bottom: There is a yellow accretion obscuring the right side of the logo. Also, there is a black accretion on the center near the right side. |
Inscription Type |
Manufacturer's Mark |
Inscription Location |
Bottom, Center, Middle |
Inscription Technique |
Stamped |
Inscription Text |
"TRENTON" Line 1 |
People |
William T. Morris Francis Willmore |
Classification |
Domestic Life/Household Goods Business & Commerce |
Subjects |
Ceramic industry Flowers Plants Tea Tea industry Tea Bag Water Plant parts Drinking vessels |
Search Terms |
Ceramic William T. Morris Plants Water Tea Teacup Francis Willmore Flowers Plants Pink White Gold Tulip Trenton 19th Century 20th Century Morris and Wilmore Company Morris & Willmore Company "Eggshell" Pink Teacup |
Provenance |
Found in collection |