Another item of commemorative ware

Our President was delighted when he saw this in a flea market in Devizes. He couldn’t resist the temptation to buy it for the museum.

It is a piece of Arcadian Ware in the shape of a cannon.

Commemorative ware cannon

It carries a crest and the name Market Lavington on the front of it.

‘Don’t point that at me!’. OK only to show the Market Lavington crest and name.

The image in the crest is based on a photo of Market Lavington Church.

This item was made for sale in the shop of A Burgess and Son, Photographer etc. of Market Lavington.

Arcadian Ware china made for A Burgess and Son of Market Lavington

Now A Burgess was Alf and he died in 1918 which gives a good clue to the age of the cannon. But another clue is written on top.

War Edition ware – made between 1914 and 1918

This is ‘war edition’ and that refers to World War One. The item was made, no doubt amid patriotic fervour between 1914 and 18. It is part of a large range of war appropriate crested ware that was produced.

For the moment, this item can be seen in our ‘New Acquisitions’ display. Later we’ll have to decide whether it goes with commemorative china or First World War.

Many thanks Peter, for finding and acquiring this lovely item.

Another football team

As the 2012/2013 football seasons grinds to a close, let’s look at another local football team in times past.

Market Lavington – a football team during World war I

This photo dates from almost 100 years ago and it looks as though it was taken at Alf Burgess’s little studio in Market Lavington. We have it dated as ‘First World War’.

We do not know many of the men and boys shown.

Top row, third from left is Bill Elisha.

Bill Elisha

Bill was connected with local football for the rest of his life. Fittingly, the playing field on Drove Lane is named after him.

Alan Baker is second from left in the middle row.

Alan Baker

Front left is Frank Cooper

Frank Cooper

And front right is Alf Merrett

Alf Merrett

Of course, we’d like to know who the others are. Can you help?