Centennial Commemorative Pitcher

late 19th century

A centennial commemorative pitcher (English, late 19th century) produced by Josiah Wedgwood & Sons, Etruria, Staffordshire. The creamware jug is decorated with two half-circle black transfer print scenes, on one side it depicts Independence Hall (the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence) and reads “JULY 4th 1776” below, on the other it depicts Memorial Hall from the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition and reads “JULY 4th 1876” below. The rim of the pitcher is decorated with a raised band of thirty-eight stars, one for each state at the time of the centennial. The handle is embossed with the dates “1876” and “1776”, and around the neck is a raised band with the names of the original thirteen colonies.

The Philadelphia Centennial Exposition was staged to mark the 100th anniversary of American independence and put on display the country’s thriving arts, industry, and commerce. Over ten million visitors toured the exposition, which was open from May to November 1876. Most of the structures built for the fair were meant to be temporary, but Memorial Hall (pictured on the jug) was one of the few meant to be permanent and is the only major structure from the fair that remains.

English

glazed earthenware with transfer print

7.5" x 6.25" x 5.25"

Bequest of Mr. Francis J. Connell, 1988.

PSNC.4975