Robin Hood
Experience the legend of Robin Hood
Find out moreThe Flawford Virgin & Child
This beautiful carving dating from circa 1380 is one of the earliest in our internationally significant collection of alabasters. The Flawford Virgin and Child is one of three discovered in 1779 under the chancel floor of the demolished Church of St Peter in Flawford, Nottinghamshire.
The Holy Church
This finely carved fragment of a panel was once part of a much larger altarpiece. It shows the figures of a pope, cardinal, archbishop and the King, Edward the Confessor, standing on green ground decorated with daisies. The top of the panel has been broken away but, incredibly, much of the paint has survived. Originally, the details of alabaster sculptures were highlighted with paint and gold leaf, which contrasted with unpainted areas. Today it is often only the traces that remain.
Saltglazed Pottery
In the late C17th, James Morley began the production of ‘saltglazed’ pottery in Nottingham. This involved the dramatic process of throwing salt into the pottery kiln at the height of the firing. The technique produced strong, durable pots with a unique lustrous, chocolate colour. Nottingham saltglazed pottery of all kinds – beer mugs, pottery for the home and pots for special occasions – was extremely popular in this country and in Europe and North America.
Bear jug
This Salt glazed bear jug was made in Nottingham in the 18th century. Bear jugs were inspired by the spectator sport of bear baiting not abolished until 1835. They were used as tobacco jars, ale jugs and to contain liquor such as brandy.
Salt glaze mug
This fabulous posset pot was made by James Morley in 1700 and is a rare early example. It was made for the Mayor of Nottingham at the time and is a ‘double wall’ pot: a highly-skilled technique of creating two layers of clay, one to hold the liquid and an outer ‘wall’ which was pierced with an intricate design.
