Catalogue Number
NMLH.1995.91.1.1
Object Name
Teapot
Title
'Wilkes and Liberty'
Place
Middlesex, London, England, UK
People
John Wilkes, The North Briton (publication)
Date
c 1763
Description
A ceramic teapot with text surrounded by decorative scrollwork. One side reads 'Wilks and Liberty' the other 'No. 45'.
John Wilkes was an 18th century politician and journalist. 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 and Wilkes was sent to the Tower of London for 'seditious libel'. However, due to his position as a Member of Parliament, he was released, to cheers of 'Wilkes and Liberty'. The slogan, and the North Briton issue number are commemorated on the teapot, though his name is spelled incorrectly. It probably dates from 1768 when commemorative souvenirs were produced after one of Wilkes' election victories.
This item is part of the Hymie Fagan ceramics collection.
**ON DISPLAY**
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