Figure, of fishwife

Add to album

This earthenware figure of a fishwife was made in the early 19th century at Thomas Rathbone's Pottery at Portobello in Midlothian.

The figure is painted in coloured glazes and enamels. The fishwife has a creel of fish on the ground in front of her.

Good supplies of coal and clay and easy transport by sea meant that the south side of the Firth of Forth was an ideal location for potteries to develop. Small-scale works existed there from the 17th century and larger factories developed from around 1750.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-045-543-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.1959.401
• Date: Early 19th cent
  Early 19th century
  
• Material: Earthenware
  Figure / fishwife
  
• Dimensions: 215 mm H x 118 mm W x 125 mm D
  
• What: Figure / fishwife
  
• Subject:
• Who: Thomas Rathbone, Portobello (Maker)
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Portobello
  
• Event:
• Description: Earthenware figure of a fishwife standing with a creel of fish on the ground before her, painted in coloured glazes and enamels, from Thomas Rathbone's factory, Portobello, early 19th century
  
• References:
• Translations:
• Related Records: