A rare Martha Gunn Toby jug, c.1790-1800, of Wood type, seated with a gin bottle in her right hand,

A rare Martha Gunn Toby jug, c.1790-1800, of Wood type, seated with a gin bottle in her right hand, her left unusually holding a large flower, decorated in running blue, green and treacle glazes and raised on a stepped base, some restoration to the hat and handle, 26.8cm.

Purchased from The Antique Porcelain Co. Ltd., London, 12th August 1965.

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. The left hand of this model more commonly holds a gin glass. In this instance, the potter has chosen to embellish it with a multi-petalled bloom.