A rare Pratt ware Martha Gunn Toby jug, c.1790-1800, of mid size, resting a gin bottle in her lap,

A rare Pratt ware Martha Gunn Toby jug, c.1790-1800, of mid size, resting a gin bottle in her lap, her dress decorated with a sprigged design in blue and ochre, the tall base sponged in the same colours, 24.7cm.

Purchased from The Antique Porcelain Co. Ltd. New York, 19th June 1958.

Martha Gunn (1726-1815) was described by the Morning Herald as "the Venerable Priestess of the Bath", being the most famous of the operators of the bathing machines on Brighton beach. She was a favourite of the Prince of Wales, the future George IV, hence the three feathers in her hat. Although the jug is of a much smaller size than the standard Toby, the double height of the base puts it on a par with the traditional models.