Ceramic Lamps

A pair of pale cream ceramic lamp bases, with varying intricate details, placed in a lab setting. On the left is a more rounded shape, decorated with a pair of mermaid figures, while the right is thinner and holds a pair of griffins.

Identification

  • Object Type: Creamware ceramic lamps
  • Date: 1970s
  • Origin: UK. Precise location unknown, possibly Leeds, Stoke on Trent or Goole.
  • Owner: Private
  • Maker: Royal Creamware (company)
  • Measurements: 
    • First: 54.5 x 21 x 12.5 cm
    • Second: 45 x 16 x 16 cm
  • Materials: Stoneware and Brass

Summary

The ceramic lamps are from the 1970’s, using creamware and a clear glaze. Creamware was created in the 1750s in Staffordshire and is most popularly known in Wedgewood designs. Its distinct cream colour has been covered in a clear lead glaze. 

The matching lamps came to the University from just outside of Lincoln. The owners brought them in after their son’s best man knocked them off a side table while making the bed. 

Behind the Scenes

Previous storage of the lamps before treatment. They are placed in a clear, large plastic box with a lid, on top of towels and bubble wrap. The more rounded lamp has its base broken off and placed next to it, as well as some components missing from one of the decorative mermaids.
Previous storage of the lamps, prior to conservation treatment.
A pair of pale cream ceramic lamp bases, with varying intricate details, placed in a lab setting. On the left is a more rounded shape, decorated with a pair of mermaid figures, while the right is thinner and holds a pair of griffins.
Ceramic lamps prior to conservation treatment.
A close up of a mermaid figure of a cream ceramic lamp base. The mermaid has small wings pointing upwards, with hair tied up and hands by its side. It is wearing a tunic over her torso. The ceramic is decorated with a pair of mermaid figures.
Close-up of a mermaid figure.
A close up of a mermaid figure of a cream ceramic lamp base. The griffin is maying down at the base of the lamp.
Close-up of a griffin.

The conservator who treated these objects is Sophie, click on the profile to learn more.

Note: All images were taken by the conservator unless stated otherwise.

Related Objects

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Decorative Artefacts Collection

Two large fragments of the bottom and sidewall of a brown ceramic barrel on a white background. The pale buff inside of the barrel is visible and is covered in smears of black dirt.
Stoneware Spirit Barrel
The front of a shattered polychrome sheet of glass that depicts an infant St John in white robes leaning over the lap of a young seated St Elizabeth, robed in gold and blue, and is receiving an olive branch on a platter from and elderly St Zachariah, robed in green and red. The three figures are outside, there is a tree to their right, and mountain behind them. The fragments of glass are arranged in their correct position but with visible space between them.
Reverse Glass Mezzotint
A plaster-of-paris Nativity figure of Joseph, wearing a yellow robe and purple cloak on a black base. He is kneeling and looking down with his right arm extended. The figure is coated in a glossy varnish which is visibly yellowing. There is a break around the neck and several chips in the body.
Nativity Figure: Joseph