English rare and large Stoneware Godstone Iron Pear Tree Gout Water Bottle Flagon circa 1745

Ref: 42303 Category:

£4450

Dated: 1745 England

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.". 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 to make 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. The water was charged at 2 shillings per gallon with a deposit of 2 shillings on the bottle. It is reported that the water tasted unpleasant and bitter, and Mr Borwick's venture was short-lived. Iron Peartree House is still standing on the old coaching road just south of Godstone town. Drinking water in London was fowl in the 18th century and was avoided, and ale was often the safer choice. It is possible that merely drinking clean water helped to dispel the gout.

Dimensions: 15 inches high

Current Condition: Professionally restored at the handle.

Provenance: From 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.

£4450    $6007

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.”. 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 to make 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. The water was charged at 2 shillings per gallon with a deposit of 2 shillings on the bottle. It is reported that the water tasted unpleasant and bitter, and Mr Borwick’s venture was short-lived. Iron Peartree House is still standing on the old coaching road just south of Godstone town.

Drinking water in London was fowl in the 18th century and was avoided, and ale was often the safer choice. It is possible that merely drinking clean water helped to dispel the gout.

Additional information

Dimensions 15 in