If pots could talk… How might they say ‘Merry Christmas’?!

These Georgian and Victorian pots will have seen some seasonal celebrations in their time. But how could they have played their part? Who might have used them – rich or poor; servants or masters? And where – in cottages or country houses; dairies, kitchens or dining rooms; on tables or in larders and pantries?

See if you can work it out from the clues – and at the same time find out about family feasts and festivities in the past.

This post looks at the first of six displays at the Markeaton Park Family Festivities event, on which the quiz is based.

The questions are:

• What do you think these objects would have been used for / how do you think they’d have been used?
• Where / in which room(s) of a house?
• Can you think how they might have been used at, or in preparing for, Christmas, in particular?

Clues are provided below; and answers given in follow-on posts.

The previous post provides more information on the activity.

Object 1

Locally-made late 1700s – early 1800s salt-glazed stoneware vessel – a type that would have been a staple in many late Georgian homes, perhaps including Markeaton Hall.

The material was durable, and so used for everyday tasks. Such a vessel may well have remained in use for decades, and was probably still used into the 1820s – 1830s.

Clues

Clue 2:

Almond Icing…

Beat the whites of three eggs to a strong froth ; beat a pound of Jordan almonds very fine with rose water ; mix the almonds with the eggs lightly together, a pound of common loaf sugar beat fine, and put in by degrees; when the cake is enough, take it out, lay the icing on, and then put it in to brown.

Houlston’s Housekeeper’s Assistant, 1828.

Think you have the answers? Find out if you’re right!

Next: Part 2.