Catalogue Number
NMLH.1995.91.1.1
Object Name
Teapot
Title
WILKES & LIBERTY / NO.45
Place
Middlesex; London & England & UK
People
Wilkes, John
Date
c 1763
Description
John Wilkes strongly opposed John Stuart, chosen by the King to be Prime Minister in 1762. His radical publication 'The North Briton' mocked Stuart's Scottish ancestry. Issue number 45, dated 23 April 1763, criticised the King's Speech; Wilkes was sent to the Tower of London for 'seditious libel'. However he was released, to cheers of 'Wilkes and Liberty', because he was a Member of Parliament.
This teapot spells his name incorrectly and features 'No. 45' on one side; it probably dates from 1768 when commemorative souvenirs were produced after an election victory. It is part of the Hymie Fagan ceramics collection.
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