Prominent laurel wreathed panels on each side of this parian jug immediately announce Old...

Prominent laurel wreathed panels on each side of this parian jug immediately announce Old Hall's intent to create an elaborate tribute to the recently deceased Prince Albert. An oval panel with a profile portrait is simply titled "Prince Consort"; the panel on the reverse carries his full coat of arms with dates of his birth and death: 26th August, 1819 and 14th December, 1861.  In this example, the central reliefs are enhanced by a contrasting blue ground color.

The most extraordinary feature of the design is the collection of the emblems of honorific orders awarded the prince, depicted in accurate relief.  Six of these, including the Order of the Garter, adorn a ribbon around the neck of the jug. Additional badges are stacked to form the unique handle, terminated at the bottom by the Order of the Golden Fleece and topped with a tiny replica of the royal crown.

Prince Albert's death in December 1861 precipitated a torrent of commemorative tributes in...

Prince Albert's death in December 1861 precipitated a torrent of commemorative tributes in both the fine and decorative arts. Old Hall registered this design in April, 1862,a mere four months after the Prince's death and in time for the May 1 opening of the 1862 South Kensington Exhibition. In the catalog of the exhibition, the entry for Old Hall lists a number of general products ending with "Memorial jug -- Prince Consort. "  (Cambridge Library Collection, The International Exhibition of 1862, The Illustrated Catalog of the Industrial Department, Volume 2:  British Division 2, p. 113, entry 6875).