The Bridge over the River Wear near Sunderland.
The collection on this page is of the various 'Sunderland Bridge' transfers that have appeared on pottery produced in the North East of England. Like other collections on this site, it has developed in various directions to include other bridges, hand painted decoration and non-pottery items.
Patch boxes.
Circa 1790 these patch boxes contained small self-adhesive taffeta patches. The mirror inside helped the owner to position the various shaped patches onto his or her face either for decoration or to hide a mark. These are hand painted on enamel. The lack of detail and the level bridge may suggest that these were produced before the bridge was completed. As these were not made in the North East of England, the artist probably did not see the bridge.
The patch box on the right, with the blue base, has been restored, hence the condition not usually associated with these pieces. Were they sold as souvenirs or given as gifts to prominent people?
The patch box on the right, with the blue base, has been restored, hence the condition not usually associated with these pieces. Were they sold as souvenirs or given as gifts to prominent people?
Original Bridge over the River Wear completed 1796.
Early views on creamware. First mug shows the bridge "to be erected". The second, fourth and last mugs all marked "Newcastle".
West View. You are looking East, towards the North Sea, seeing the West side of the Bridge.
East view. You are looking West, inland, seeing the East side of the Bridge.
South East View.
Marked J PHILLIPS HYLTON POTTERY
The New Bridge completed 1859. Built on the same site as the original.
East View.
Current Bridge.
Unfinished jug, probably damaged during manufacture, with the finished article.
Other bridges.
