Description
This rather strange looking earthenware pot is actually a “Sparrow Box”. It is dated 1843 in a faded ochre slip glaze. The simplicity of this piece understates its great rarity as very few of these items have survived. The sparrow box would be hung outside the house encouraging sparrows to nest and hatch their young. When hatched the fledglings would be taken from the nest and used as the main ingredient in a Sparrow Pie! I know! I am pleased to say that the good people of London no longer enjoy this delicacy. It is thought that the term “Cockney Sparrow” relates to this practice, which was very common in earlier and perhaps harder times in the working-class areas of the city. It is likely this rare piece was made at one of the London Potteries.