Antique Reform Mug King William IV Dissolution of Parliament Kings 1832

This extremely rare and decorative transfer printed mug was produced in England during the 19th century, circa 1832. The mug features a purple transfer printed design titled ‘Dissolution Of Parliament.’ The scene is based on a print published by Alfred Miller in 1831 after Robert Cruickshank (see reference below). This text below is a direct quote from the Kings speech in parliament Friday 22nd of April 1831.

The text reads:

‘My lords & gentleman. I have been induced to resort to this measure for the purpose of ascertaining the sense of my people in the way in which it can be most constitutionally and authentically expressed.’ The peers can be seen expressing their shock and horror at William IV’s speech with text reading ‘My Goodness’, ‘I hate reform’ and ‘Oh dear.’ Notice Lord Brougham wielding the mace.

Henry Peter Brougham, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux, PC, FRS (b 1778 – d 1868) was a British statesman who became Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain and played a prominent role in passing the Reform Act 1832 and Slavery Abolition Act 1833.

The rear of the mug features a transfer printed design with a Lord John Russel (b 1792 – d 1878) stood on a plinth with a banner reading ‘Truth’ and text to the plinth below reading ‘REFORM. Disenfranchised, stone walls, & parks,xxxx.’

Lord John Russel (b 1792 – d 1878) was one of the principal architects of the Reform Act 1832, which was the first major reform of Parliament since the Restoration, and a significant early step on the road to democracy and away from rule by the aristocracy and landed gentry.

This is an extremely rare item. We have only been able to find one other example, in jug form, which sold at Bonham’s in 2014. The mug features the manufacturers mark to the base reading ‘NO 10’ with a lion over the crown (the mark in full should read ‘G.H. NO 10, IMPERIAL FILIGREE). The mug was produced by the ‘Goodwin’ partnership of potters in Longton, Staffordshire, England. The firm Goodwins and Harris produced several political and royal commemorative mugs and jugs during the first half of the 19th century. All of their commemorative pieces are highly collectible.

This is the perfect item for anyone with a passion for British history, any anyone who collects rare and early English ceramics. Please see our collection of 18th and 19th century art and antiques listed separately in our store.

Reference: Museum number 1914,1009.33 in the British Museum’s online collection. Also see page 281 of Geoffrey Goddens Encyclopaedia of British Pottery and Porcelain Marks.

Measuring: Width including handle 4 ½ inch (12 cm) by height 3 ½ inch (8.5 cm).

Condition: Minor ‘t’ shape small hairline to interior rim only. Natural crazing and light surface wear, all commensurate with age.