American Toby Jug Museum 

Convict character jug produced by Kingston Pottery of Hull, England, circa 1980. From Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations" (1861), the escaped convict that Pip helps in the novel's opening scenes he nicknames Provis. Provis' gratitude towards Pip inspires him to devote his lifesavings to Pip, becoming Pip's anonymous patron. Born an orphan on the streets and cruelly swindled by Compeyson, Provis has lived a life in and out of prison. His criminal record is largely the result of unfortunate circumstances for Provis is kind, good-hearted, and immensely generous. Provis' name is Abel Magwitch, the convict on the marshes who later becomes wealthy in Australia and is the source of Pip's expectations. He is caught trying to escape England and dies in prison with Pip by his side. He is the father of Estella and a former partner in crime with Compeyson, who betrayed him.