Rare large Stoneware Godstone Iron Pear Tree Gout Water Bottle circa 1745

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£6750

Dated: 1740 to 1750 English

This large-sized stoneware water bottle or flagon is inscribed " Iron Peartree Water Nr. Godstone Surrey". There are two medallions applied to the shoulder. One depicts a male figure on crutches crying woefully, " Oh the Gout," and the other shows a strong, healthy man clutching a tankard with the statement, " Drink and be Well." The water was charged at 2 shillings per gallon with a deposit of 2 shillings on the bottle. These bottles were only produced for a short time and are exceptionally rare. Most known examples are in British and American Museums.   NOTE. A landlord, Mr. Borwick, suffered from gout and had recently sunk a well on his property close to a pear tree.  He used the water for making ale and found it provided relief from his gout. He then decided to market the water, which became fashionable in the higher realms of London Society. Horace Walpole (1717-1797) was an English writer and politician who mentioned it in a letter of 1753 to Sir Horace Mann, a senior British diplomat; such was its reputation. It is reported that the water tasted unpleasant and bitter, and Mr Borwick's venture was short-lived. Iron Peartree House still stands today on the old coaching road just south of Godstone town.  

Dimensions: 14 inches high

Current Condition: Good condition with only minor wear in accord with age and use.

Provenance: The personal collection of the late Jonathan Horne.

Literature: Jonathan Horne in A catalogue of English Brown Stoneware from the 17th and 18th Centuries (1985) . Page 282 figure reference 1393, A potted History, Henry Willett's Ceramic Chronicle of Britain, by Stella Bedoe. Note The Willet Collection is located in the Royal Pavilion Brighton Museum.

£6750    $9112

Description

This large-sized stoneware water bottle or flagon is inscribed ” Iron Peartree Water Nr. Godstone Surrey“. There are two medallions applied to the shoulder. One depicts a male figure on crutches crying woefully, ” Oh the Gout,” and the other shows a strong, healthy man clutching a tankard with the statement, ” Drink and be Well.” The water was charged at 2 shillings per gallon with a deposit of 2 shillings on the bottle. These bottles were only produced for a short time and are exceptionally rare. Most known examples are in British and American Museums.

 

NOTE.

A landlord, Mr. Borwick, suffered from gout and had recently sunk a well on his property close to a pear tree.  He used the water for making ale and found it provided relief from his gout. He then decided to market the water, which became fashionable in the higher realms of London Society. Horace Walpole (1717-1797) was an English writer and politician who mentioned it in a letter of 1753 to Sir Horace Mann, a senior British diplomat; such was its reputation.

It is reported that the water tasted unpleasant and bitter, and Mr Borwick’s venture was short-lived. Iron Peartree House still stands today on the old coaching road just south of Godstone town.

 

Additional information

Dimensions 14 in