An International Collection

Press, Issue 31095, 25 June 1966, Page 2

An International Collection

A large family which travels the world has provided Mrs F. A. Robertson, of Beckenham (left), with a collection of miniature china and pottery jugs which adorn her living-room walls.

Portuguese pottery miniatures, delicate Dresden china, brass and copper kettles from Australia, and short stout Dutch Delft ware hang together in a profusion of shapes and colours. “When members of my famiy travel overseas I always ask them to bring back a jug for me. They can’t say its too big to pack,” Mrs Robertson said yesterday. Her collection began about 12 years ago with half a dozen jugs and has “just accumulated” to 109 pieces. “I had several of my mother’s jugs to start —now my brothers and sisters, and my children and grandchildren have helped me build it up.” Display In Box

Half the collection is displayed in a wall box framed by an attractive wood carving which Mrs Roberts worked when she was a girl. The collector is truly international. Motifs include copies of ancient Greek and Egyptian designs, the Statue of Liberty, aboriginal figures, and old English ' floral patterns.

But nestled amongst the souvenirs which tell of a visit to the Coming glass works in the United States, or a brewery in Singapore, a holiday in Spain, England, or Germany, are modest little jugs inscribed with kiwis or New Zealand flowers. These have been given to Mrs Robertson as birthday or Christmas presents and she has as many favourites amongst home buys as those from overseas. Left-Handed

One of the most quaint pieces is a left-handed jug, bought at the George Washington Memorial Museum. Nearby is placed a traditional Toby jug which Mrs Robertson’s sister purchased at Dickens’s Old Curiosity Shop in London. An addition to the collection is expected soon. One of Mrs Robertson’s five sisters is holidaying in Alaska and is charged with bringing home a miniature jug. Alaska is one of the few countries not yet represented in the collection. And when Mrs Robertson returns from her fifth trip to Australia—her son and his family now live in New England—she will undoubtedy have something new for her shelves.