A creamware punchbowl and a jug, c.1800, commemorating the Original Society of Papermakers, printed

A creamware punchbowl and a jug, c.1800, commemorating the Original Society of Papermakers, printed with the society's arms, the bowl with a scene of a courting couple, and with a four line verse, the jug with Union flowers and a stanza promoting unity, some wear, the bowl broken and restuck, 23.3cm dia. (2)

Provenance: the Barbara Horn Collection.

This early trade union was founded c.1799-1800 and was especially strong in Kent. The clandestine movement was illegal, following a Combination Act of 1796, but poor harvests in Britain during the previous decade, combined with the threat of war from France, resulted in reduced wages across the industry. By 1825, the union had around 3000 members and two strikes had successfully overturned wage reductions in 1804 and 1812.