Mug

Creamware mug commemorating Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758-1805). It has a black line around the rim and a slightly flared base. On the opposite side to the handle is a black transfer print with hand colouring, depicting a monument bearing a medallion portrait of Nelson after Simon de Koster between two fasces. On the top of the monument a trophy of flags, an anchor and the top masts of a ship flying three signal flags. It is inscribed 'The ever to be lamented LORD VISCOUNT NELSON / Born Sept 29 1758', 'Fell in the glorious Cause of his Country/ in the Memorable Battle of Trafalgar / 21 October 1805 Aged 47', 'Motto / Palmam qui meruit ferat / Translation / Let him bear away the palm who has deserved it'. On either side of the monument, the mourning figures of a seaman and a marine; below their feet, the ensigns of France and Spain lie on the ground. A ribbon inscribed 'ENGLAND EXPECTS THAT EVERY MAN WILL DO HIS DUTY' runs along the base of the scene. At the top are the verses 'Remember whilst his mortal part has rest / Th'immortal lives in every Briton's breast / Tho' short his span of life, recording fame / Inscribes a deathless volume to his name', 'Mourn not for me! 'tis vain, chase grief away / Compleat my work, and crown the glorious day / Behold, 'tis done his parting spirit flew / And lightning rests, brave Collingwood with you'. The maker's name 'Newcastle Pottery' is included in the transfer, which is similar to a print published by Laurie & Whittle on 12 December 1805 (see PAD3955).

Object Details

ID: AAA4931
Collection: Decorative art
Type: Mug
Display location: Display - Nelson, Navy, Nation Gallery
Creator: Unknown
Events: Napoleonic Wars: Battle of Trafalgar, 1805
Date made: circa 1806
Exhibition: Royal River: Power, Pageantry and the Thames; Nelson, Navy, Nation
People: Nelson, Horatio
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London. Caird Fund.
Measurements: Overall: 150 x 155 x 125 mm