Measham Ware Teapot

19th century measham ware or bargeware as it is more popularly known,was bought by bargees bringing narrow boats past measham on the ashby canal in leicestershire close to the staffordshire border,or so the story goes.they would order one of the decorative treacle-coloured teapots from a mrs ann bonas who sold the ware at her shop in measham high street,near the canal bridge,and have it personalised ,collecting it on the return journey.measham ware including jugs,teapots,bowls,tobacco jars,was also bought at this time by norkies,farm labours from suffolk and norfolk.after the harvest was in ,they went to burton-on-trent .to work in the maltings.when the men returned home they liked to present to their mothers ,wives or sweethearts with a piece of this named measham ware,which was made near burton-on-trent,at church gresley,primarily by mason.cash.and.co.On offer a fine large teapot,with an applied name cartouce.presnted to mother from harry.december.25th.1900......harry had this fine pot made for his mother,and presented it to her on christmas day 1900.the dawn of a new century....the whole pot decorated in the traditional brown treacle glazes and applied naive moulded decorations of bargeware.the lid surrmounted with a small miniture teapot.size.total height.35.cm.dia.20.cm.price.£350