Topic: Large Engraved Victorian Water Jug

[auliya]

I have this gorgeous large Victorian water jug, with ferns and grasses engraved around the body and leaves around the neck. When I looked into trying to identify it I found some information in one of my books (Marjorie Graham - Australian Glass of the 19th and 20th centuries) about Frank Piggott Webb, a member of Thomas Webb's family who was brought out to Sydney in 1880 to demonstrate engraving on glass and help promote the families glassware which was being marketed here at the time. It seems he chose to take up permanent residency here and he was a colonial glass artist of some renown. The few photos of his work I have been able to see, including in Marjorie Grahams book, feature very detailed work with both grasses and ferns with fronds opposing on the stems similar to the engraving on my jug. Unfortunately it is not signed that I can find, however Graham says that his early work was not signed.

I am wondering if anyone can help with information as to whether this jug could have been by Tomas Webb and Co from around that era, and also if anyone knows anything about Frank Piggott Webb and his work, and if this could be a piece by him.

thanks in advance for any thoughts or information.
regards
Auliya
Brisbane Australia