John Gilpin character jug prototype modeled by David B. Biggs and produced by Royal Doulton of Burslem, England, in 1968. John Gilpin appears in a ballad written by William Cowper (1731—1800). Gilpin was a “linen draper bold” whose wife decided to celebrate their twentieth anniversary by going to The Bell at Edmonton. Gilpin borrowed a horse for the journey; unfortunately he could not control the animal, and it ran with him ten miles beyond Edmonton and back again without stopping, ruining his anniversary event. An Edmonton wood sign post forms the handle of the jug. David Biggs has twice attempted to capture John Gilpin in clay, but neither time did Doulton decide to put the model into production. Both prototypes can be considered extremely rare. Two colorways are known to exist.
Maker:
Royal Doulton
England
1968
Model #:
Prototype
character jug
Size:
large
Height:
6 1/4"
