SSGB x Bev Milward Hand-Painted Cannister

Designed in a collaboration between artist Bev Milward and the Bristol Dockyards shop, this quirky jar with a lid combines archival images from the Illustrated London News with beautiful hand painted copper lustre. Each cannister features an image of the SS Great Britain on one side and the Clifton Suspension Bridge on the other.

The designs were inspired by antique Victorian china, originally made to commemorate events such as the opening of bridges or launching of ships. Examples of Victorian souvenir chinaware can be seen at Bristol Dockyards in the Being Brunel Museum.

Bev created these designs using images from both the Brunel Institute archives and the ceramic archives at Stokes Croft China. Each piece is hand decorated with ceramic transfers and copper lustre before firing, with extra colour added by hand afterwards.

Bev is interested in the longevity and sentimentality of ceramics, how they infiltrate our lives and can be used as a tool for communication long after leaving the maker. This project combines history and long-lost artisan skills to create a product which feels both traditional and fresh at the same time.

Each of these cannisters is hand-painted, therefore each is unique.

*Please Note - due to the copper lustre, these items are not safe to use in a microwave*

Dimensions: 160 x 100mm

Fine bone china