Rye.
The “Bellevue Pottery” in the Ferry Road, Rye, Sussex, was established in 1869, by its present proprietor, Mr. Frederick Mitchell, son and partner of the late Mr. William Mitchell of the Cadborough Pottery (which see). It was established entirely for the manufacture of “Sussex Rustic Ware”—an ornamental branch of the brown-ware goods invented by Mr. Frederick Mitchell while at those works. This ware is of peculiar, but highly pleasing character, and in it a large variety of fancy articles, flower-baskets, candlesticks, jugs, vases, pilgrims’ bottles, &c., are made. The clay is peculiarly light, and of tolerably close texture, and it is capable of working into any form. The glaze, which is of equal richness with that of “Rockingham” ware, is of exceedingly good quality, and it has a rich effect over the mottling or “splashing” which characterizes this ware. Many of the productions are very artistic, and evince much taste and skill in manipulation. Some of the vessels are decorated with the leaf and head of the staple product of the county —the hop—or with other excellent copies of leaves and flowers, &c. The peculiarity of this “Sussex Rustic Ware” is its extreme lightness, and the richness of its mottling and glaze.
One article, worthy of especial notice, as made at these works (and formerly at Cadborough), is the “Sussex Pig” here engraved. This is a drinking vessel of the same general character as the “Bears,” which will be found described under the heads of Brampton, Nottingham, &c. The body, when filled with ale, stands on end, on its tail, and the head lifts off to be used as a drinking cup, precisely in the same manner as with the “bears.” In Sussex these “pigs” are used at weddings, when each guest is invited to “drink a hogshead of beer to the health of the bride;” and at other social and convivial meetings. On these occasions each person is expected to drink this cup—or “hog’s head”—full of liquor.
Fig. 846.