Lot Essay
See David Barker, William Greatbatch, a Staffordshire Potter, London, 1991, p. 232-233, colour pl. XV for a similar example from the Norwich Castle Museum and colour pl. XVI for a similarly decorated variant teapot formerly from the Jacob's Collection; also see the dust jacket front cover and pl. 145 for a close-up of the Harlequin & Columbine print and signed imprint found on the Delhom Collection mug, The Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, North Carolina. Here the author notes, 'This particular scene derives from an engraving in the John Bowles Drawing Book, from a sheet bearing the date 24th November 1756, which differs only in minor details from the print used at Greatbatch.' Given the dramatic nature of the companion print on the obverse of both pieces it is also here surmised that it too is from a theatrical source. See The Jacob's Collection, Christie's, New York, 24 January 1994, lot 159 for the above mentioned teapot and cover; and lot 160 for a Documentary teapot and cover with similar cover and side panels.
The paper label on the underside perhaps referring to Edward Sheldon and the auction held by C.W. Provis & Sons, Manchester, England, Early English Pottery and Porcelain, The Sheldon Collection, 30 and 31 October 1928.
The paper label on the underside perhaps referring to Edward Sheldon and the auction held by C.W. Provis & Sons, Manchester, England, Early English Pottery and Porcelain, The Sheldon Collection, 30 and 31 October 1928.