Distin Family: The Saxhorn Performers

“The making of ugly pottery was one of the most remarkable inventions of our [modern] society.” – William Morris, 1882

Victorians greatly admired the color lavender. Samuel Alcock and Company successfully specialized in vessels with a lavender background, adorned with white ornament like the Distin Family jug seen here.  Popular color choices sometimes surprise our modern taste. Following the high Victorian era, critics described these highly detailed vessels as ugly and outdated. Reaction against such decorative excess began the slow march to modern aesthetics of unadorned surfaces. What objects can you think of that signify good taste today?

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