CultureEnglish
Datec. 1822–1835
Place depictedPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Made inLongport, England
MediumLead-glazed earthenware with transfer print
Dimensions1 1/4 × 10 3/8 in. diameter (3.2 × 26.4 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Miss Ima Hogg
Object numberB.63.49
Current LocationBayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Kilroy Center
On view
Explore Further
DescriptionAfter the end of the War of 1812, English potters were eager to resume trade with the United States, producing wares that celebrated American heroes and victories. In the 1820s, pottery printed in blue with a range of American scenic and architectural views, as well as historical events and images of political and military figures became popular. Most of the images were copied from contemporary prints. A century later, American collectors, like Bayou Bend’s Miss Ima Hogg, eagerly sought the same pottery. This plate features a view of “Fair Mount near Philadelphia.” The Fairmount Water Works and the Fairmount Dam are visible in the center and right background of the view. The Waterworks, begun in 1811, first relied on steam engines to pump water. In 1822, a newly completed dam, then the longest in North America, provided the power. The waterworks continued to operate until the early twentieth century and were decommissioned in 1909.
Provenance[Richard H. and Virginia A. Wood, Baltimore]; purchased by Miss Ima Hogg, February 26, 1963; given to MFAH, by 1966.
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please
contact us.
