Details

Object type

bowl

Place Associated

Scotland, Glasgow, Saracen's Head Inn (place associated)

Date

circa 1754-1790

Dimensions

overall: 3640 g

Description

This is a tin glazed punchbowl made around 1760 by the Delftfield Pottery Company. A pictorial scene showing the elements of the Glasgow coat of arms is shown in the centre under the motto ‘Success to the Town of Glasgow’.

Around the outside of the bowl is a hand-painted landscape populated with figures – some celebrating, others involved in the activity of building a continuous wall. There is a strong Oriental influence in the depiction of some of the blue painted figures and the internal floral decoration.

Punch was a popular drink for men in the 18th century. ‘Glasgow Punch’ contained rum, sugar and lemons, probably obtained from Scottish owned plantations in the West Indies. The punchbowl was used at the Saracen's Head Inn, which stood in the Gallowgate. The Inn opened in 1755, and had thirty-six bedrooms and an assembly room for balls and entertainments. In its heyday the Inn was patronised by such eminent visitors to Glasgow as Samuel Johnston and James Boswell. The bowl was last used in 1860, at a banquet given for the writer Robert Reid (penname Senex)..

Credit Line/Donor

Gifted by John Buchanan, 1910

ID Number

1910.79

Location

In storage