Title
"Liberty China" Three-piece Tea Set
Date
1917-1918
Description
A three-piece tea set in the “Liberty China” pattern (English, 1917-1918) produced by Josiah Wedgwood & Sons. The set is composed of a lidded teapot (.1a-b), a lidded sugar bowl (.2a-b), and a creamer (.3). All three pieces are decorated on the front with the armorial “Liberty” pattern, designed by Lillian Gary Taylor (1865-1961), which depicts the shield of the United States surrounded by a laurel wreath surmounted by the flags of the Allied nations (Panama, Romania, Serbia, Italy, Great Britain, Belgium, France, Russia, Japan, Portugal, and Montenegro) against a white ground, the only other decoration is narrow bands of gold.
The “Liberty” pattern was the only commemorative china made by Wedgwood during World War I. It was commissioned by American socialite Lillian Gary Taylor (1865-1961) from Wedgwood in 1917 to help the war effort. Taylor wrote, “When our country entered the Great War I decided to have this chapter in our history commemorated by a patriotic china, to be made by a great potter and that I would devote all profits to the war sufferers.” This china pattern was never advertised, to ensure that all the proceeds went directly to charity it was solely marketed by Taylor who sold it from her home in New York City. She kept a set in her parlor to show potential buyers. Notable buyers of the set included President Woodrow Wilson, Queen Mary of England, and King Albert and Queen Elizabeth of Belgium. Production of the line ended on Armistice Day, November 11, 1918. Taylor sold over 9,000 pieces, earning $14,203.14 in sales which went to charitable relief, the American Red Cross and its sub committees received the largest amount.
The “Liberty” pattern was the only commemorative china made by Wedgwood during World War I. It was commissioned by American socialite Lillian Gary Taylor (1865-1961) from Wedgwood in 1917 to help the war effort. Taylor wrote, “When our country entered the Great War I decided to have this chapter in our history commemorated by a patriotic china, to be made by a great potter and that I would devote all profits to the war sufferers.” This china pattern was never advertised, to ensure that all the proceeds went directly to charity it was solely marketed by Taylor who sold it from her home in New York City. She kept a set in her parlor to show potential buyers. Notable buyers of the set included President Woodrow Wilson, Queen Mary of England, and King Albert and Queen Elizabeth of Belgium. Production of the line ended on Armistice Day, November 11, 1918. Taylor sold over 9,000 pieces, earning $14,203.14 in sales which went to charitable relief, the American Red Cross and its sub committees received the largest amount.
Cultural Origin
English
Medium
bone china
Extent
.1a-b (Teapot) = 6" x 5" x 3.75"
.2a-b (sugar bowl) = 2.5" x 3.25"x 2.5"
.3 (Creamer) = 4.25" x 3.75" x 3"
Collection
Source
Bequest of Mr. Francis J. Connell, 1988.
Identifier
PSNC.4883.1a-b - .3
For more information about this item, please contact its owning institution.