Barge Ware Furniture

A Measham – Bargeware Tea Kettle impressed with the Blue Ribbon Temperance motto, England, circa 1880. The Blue Ribbon Movement was active from 1880-1882 in Great Britain, Canada, and the United States. The ribbon badge was worn by those who took the pledge of abstinence from alcohol consumption, adopting the term teetotaler. The kettle has a dark brown treacle glaze with enameled, raised and molded floral and fruit applications. The main panel, seen on both sides of the kettle reads, “Sign the Pledge, Don the Blue” The notched lid is held securely in place for pouring. Measham Ware was decorated with floret appliqués and an impressed panel or banner personalized using a printer’s typeface. The pottery, also known as Rockingham or Motto Ware, was produced from the 1870’s by William Mason, a South Derbyshire potter. Often called ‘barge ware’ because it was extensively marketed through a shop on Measham High Street, located near the canal bridge...