Toby Jug stoneware with impressed " FATHER MATHEWS" referring to the Temperance Methodist preacher.

Reference: 3613

Dated: c. 1840 Brampton Chesterfield Derbyshire England

A fine brown saltglaze stoneware toby jug bearing the impress mark "OLDFIELD & CO MAKERS".
Interestingly and perhaps uniquely the base of the toby jug is impress in capitals "FATHER MATHEWS".
It is likely that this feature represents a slight on the Methodist preacher who had very strong views on drinking. I suspect the Toby Jug caused much merriment at the expense of the well meaning virtuous preacher.
Father Mathews was a leading light in preaching the virtues of teetolism and the wickedness of the drink.He initially had great success in Ireland and then in England, he was a significant personality in the Temperance Movement.

Dimensions: 9.75 inch high

Medium: stoneware saltglaze pottery earthenware ceramic

Current Condition Fine unrestored condition.

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