Summary

One of a pair of porcelain vases decorated with scenes depicting 'The Nuptials of Paris and Helen'. From a design by Samuel Alcock (1799-1848), the vase was manufactured in the 1860s by the Hill Pottery Company which operated from Samuel Alcock's original works.

The Staffordshire pottery firm of Samuel Alcock & Co operated at two locations within the town of Stoke-on-Trent, Cobridge (1828-1853) and a site known as the Hill Potterys in Burslem (1830-1859). 'The Nuptials of Paris and Helen' vase was produced in a range of colours, with versions by the firm being titled on the underside and marked for the firm's initials, 'S A & Co'.

The pottery works were taken over around 1861 under the name of the Hill Pottery Company. Alcocks earlier designs were likewise continued, as evidenced by this particular vase, although the products were now marked with the new company's trademark 'JSH'. However, the company's period of production was relatively shortlived, and they were put into liquidation in 1867. Alcock and Diggory subsequently took over the former Hill Pottery's china department, while Burgess and Leigh took over the firm's earthenware department which they operated until relocating to the purpose-built Middleport Works in 1899.

Physical Description

Single handled urn. Decorated with neo-classical banding in gilt, lapis, orange, brown and green around neck and foot. Body depicts five coloured scenes from the nuptials of Paris and Helen on lapis background. Moulded head where gilded handle meets body of vase.

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