Description
A Liverpool creamware jug c.1793-1800, decorated with 'An East View of Liverpool Light House & Signals on Bidston Hill', the flags coloured, the reverse with a printed explanation of the signals within a floral garland border, a short rim crack, 17.8cm.
Cf. 4th June 2008, lot 206 for an identical example sold at these rooms.
The first lighthouse on Bidston Hill was built in 1771. The flags were flown to communicate approaching ships to a lookout in Chapel Street, Liverpool; the signals being received at Bidston Hill via semaphore. The advent of the electric telegraph saw the site close in 1858.
