Burmantofts faience vase

Maker Burmantofts Faience

Date1879 - 1890

Object number00037647

NameVase

MediumEarthenware, enamel glaze

DimensionsOverall: 210 x 260 x 12 x 480 mm, 2.02 kg

ClassificationsTableware and furnishings

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Linda Tuson-Hancox

Terms

DescriptionA Burmantofts faience vase featuring a floral design. HistoryBurmantofts Pottery (Messrs. Wilcox and Co. (Ltd) of Leeds in Yorkshire England were active between 1842 and 1904. Originally the firm made bricks, sanitary tubes, architectural goods and other household pottery items. But when James Etches became manager in 1879 they began the production of ceramic tiles, art pottery and architectural faience. By 1888 the name of Wilcock and Co. ceased and the pottery became known as The Burmantofts Company Ltd. Pamphlets, engravings, poems, paintings and brochures soon began to appear in Sydney as part of the memorabilia industry associated with the tragedy. Salvors including Captain Miller, had acquired numerous bits and pieces associated with the vessel and were either selling salvaged items as mementos of the tragedy or manufacturing all manners of items - including a set of chairs marked with MADE FROM THE WRECK OF THE DUNBAR - FROM THE HULL OF THE UNFORTUNATE DUNBAR. The effect of the DUNBAR disaster is hard to imagine in these days of safe and efficient air and sea travel. Brennan (1993) tried to portray the disaster by comparing it to 2,619 Sydney-residents being killed by a plane crashing into Botany Bay in 1993. Even in 2007 the repercussions of the event still live on with the descendants of some of the victims attending the annual DUNBAR Commemorative Services at Camperdown Cemetery and St Stephens Church, Newtown. SignificanceIt was claimed by Captain Miller, a salvor from the wreck of the DUNBAR, that this vase had been part of the wreck. While the production date of the vase shows this is unlikely, it does represent the trade in 'mementos' of the disaster.