Wedgwood (Est. 1759)
Keith Murray (1892-1981)
Morgan’s Department Store Commemorative 1845-1945
Queen’s Ware Punch Bowl
blue jasper dip, white appliqué
signed
12 1/4″ diameter x 7″ high
In 1945 Morgan’s Department Store, purchased by The Hudson’s Bay Company (1961), commissioned a limited production Wedgwood Queen’s Ware bowl, designed by Keith Murray, to commemorate the store’s 100th anniversary in Montreal. Monochrome transfer prints on the front and back contrast Montreal as it was in 1845 and in 1945. Intaglio portraits on each side of Jean Baptiste and John Bull are surrounded by colourful maple leaves, shamrock, rose, thistle, and fleur-de-lis and celebrate the city’s French and English heritage.
The inside of the bowl is centrally decorated with transfer printed coat of arms and motto Concordia Salus (Salvation Through Harmony), with colourful maple leafs borders, and the following English and French inscriptions around the upper rim: “Discovered by Jacques Cartier in 1534, Founded by Maisonneuve in 1642, Decouvert par Jacques Cartier en 1534, and Fonde par Maisonneuve en 1642″, all hand-painted in vibrant and appropriate colours. The underside of the bowl has the Morgan’s and Wedgwood of Etruria & Barlston logo, patt. no. F.L. 3123, impressed Wedgwood Made in England H mark, and provides the population data for Montreal in 1845 (45,000) and 1945 (1,500,000).
This fascinating footed bowl measures an impressive 12 1/4″ in diameter, and is 6 7/8” high with iconic Keith Murray shape and incised Palladian and blue slip décor to the raised collar foot.
