Antique Jasperware Jug - Dudson Bros. C1898-1900`s - Ref. J/25

Antique Jasperware Jug - Dudson Bros. C1898-1900's - Ref. J/25

The 'Hope Street Works' were established in 1800 by Thomas Dudson, but is was James Dudson, the son of Thomas, who, after taking  over the business in 1838, created a company whose reputation became known throughout England and the colonies, including America. James received two 'honourable mentions' in the exhibitions of 1851 and 1862 and set out to create affordable, beautiful ceramics at a reasonable price. Inspired by Wedgwood, he soon developed a similar style, the designs incorporating raised classical figures against a matte light blue background, soon to become known as 'Wedgwood blue'.After his death in 1882, his son, James Thomas took control, and in 1898, the company changed its name to 'Dudson Bros England'. The pottery is still in existence, and, with over 200 years of pottery production, the Dudson family is the oldest ceramic business in Stoke-on-Trent.  Today, Dudsons cater primarily for the hospitality industry, still producing extremely resistant, high end tableware.

This is a classical design in a tri-coloured Wedgwood blue signed by Dudson Bros. England. The jug is encircled with raised classical Grecian figures in a matter white superimposed on a darker blue matte background, bordered by lighter blue. Records show that  tri-coloured pieces achieve the highest prices with the collector.
The jug remains in remarkably good condition although there is a firing flaw just below the top of the handle, and a very small chip to the spout has been restored. 
The jug stands 15cm high with a diameter of 9.5 cm at base.