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A SPLENDID GIFT TO GLADSTONE.

AUGUST 20 was a grand field day at Hawarden Castle, the seat of Mr. Gladstone. On that day upwards of 2000 Liberals from the Potteries visited the park, on the occasion of the annual picnic promoted by the members of the Burslem Liberal Associaton. Advantage was taken of the occasion by the party to present to Mr. Gladstone an illuminated address and also a handsome vase designed by Mr. F. Khead, and executed by Messrs. Brownfieid and Son, of Burslem. Mr. W. Woodall, M.P., accompanied a deputation representing the excursionists into the drawincj-room of the Castle, and introduced them to Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone. Tho vase, which occupied a prominent position in the drawing-room, is a m.'.gnificent work of art, and its excellences were pointed out to Mr. Gladstone by the artist. Its colour is grey, inclining to heliotrope, and it has a deep fringe of white figures on a greenish-black ground, running round the centre, and has been executed by the process called jxite-sur-patz. In the centre is a symbolical figure of Liberty, seated on a dais, and holding in one hand the scales of Justice and in the other a broken chain. On the right of Liberty is Homer and on the left Dante. Next the central figure on the left are figures of a vestal in a pleading attitude, and a historian recording the deeds done in the name of Freedom. On the back of tho vase, in the centre, is a figure of St. George, supported on the one side by William Wallace, and on the other by Brian Boru. There are figures of Ireland with bowed heads, and Poland with mournful look and hair unbound. There are also figures of dancing children and a maiden bringing offerings of flowers. Above and below the frieze is an ornamental pattern in the Neo-Greek style, executed in quiot colours, and delicately touched with gold. The handles are of solid gold, with a spiral spray of laurel, raised arid chased, running round. The pedestal, which is of the same colour as the vase, bears the following inscription :—" Designed and executed at Burslem for a few Liberals of that town, and presented by them to Mr. Gladstone, as a slight expression of their admiration, affection, and gratitude, 1888." In acknowledging the present the right hon. gentleman spoke of Wcdgewood as the greatest man who ever united Art with industrial development. No country in Europe had exhibited so great an excellence in pottery ks this countrj'. The vase he regaarded as an exquisite specimen of pale-mr-pate, which had been invented since he last visited the Potteries.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18881013.2.42.11

Bibliographic details

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9184, 13 October 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

Word Count
440

A SPLENDID GIFT TO GLADSTONE. New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9184, 13 October 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

A SPLENDID GIFT TO GLADSTONE. New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9184, 13 October 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)