A delftware commemorative plate from Glassfields, Bristol

Summary

An archaeological excavation undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology at Glassfields, Old Bread Street, Bristol in 2016–2017 revealed a cesspit/cistern, which produced an interesting finds assemblage that included fragments of a tin-glazed plate. The plate was decorated with a scene of a smoking glass cone furnace in a landscape of sponged trees and fences. Possible glass blowing tools are depicted on the brim. Tri-form initials on the underside suggest this was a commemorative plate.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Cotswold Archaeology would like to thank Royal London Asset Management Limited for commissioning the project and funding the post-excavation analysis and publication. The project was monitored by Peter Insole, the City Archaeologist for Bristol City Council, who also provided comments on the draft report. The project was managed by Mary Alexander and Philippa Bradley. This note has been prepared by Philippa Bradley from the excavation report and post-excavation assessment and updated project design. The illustration is by Li Sou. The site archive including the finds will in due course be deposited at the Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives (under accession number BRSMG: 2016.100).

SUMMARY IN FRENCH, GERMAN, ITALIAN AND SPANISH

RÉSUMÉ

Une assiette commémorative de type Delftware provenant de Glassfields, Bristol

Une fouille archéologique entreprise par Cotswold Archaeology à Glassfields, Old Bread Street, à Bristol en 2016–2017 a révélé une fosse d’aisance/citerne, qui a fourni un assemblage intéressant de mobilier comprenant des fragments d’une assiette à glaçure stannifère. L’assiette était décorée d’une scène représentant un four de verrier en forme de cône fumant dans un paysage d’arbres et de barrières réalisés à l’éponge. De possibles outils de soufflage du verre sont représentés sur le bord. Des initiales trilobées sur la face inférieure suggèrent qu’il s’agit d’une assiette commémorative.

ZUSAMMENFASSUNG

Ein ‘Delfter Blau’ Gedenkteller aus Glassfields, Bristol

Bei einer archäologischen Ausgrabung, durchgeführt von Cotswold Archaeology, in Glassfields, Old Bread Street in Bristol in 2016–2017 wurde eine Abwassergrube/Zisterne entdeckt, die eine Ansammlung von Funden aufwies, einschließlich Fragmenten eines Tellers mit blecherner Glasur. Auf dem Teller dargestellt war eine Szene mit einem rauchenden Glaskegelofen in einer Landschaft mit verschwommenen Bäumen und Zäunen. Mögliche Werkzeuge für Glasbläserei sind am Rand abgebildet. Dreiteilige Initialen auf der Unterseite deuten darauf hin, dass es sich um einen Gedenkteller handelt.

RIASSUNTO

Un piatto commemorativo in Delftware da Glassfields, Bristol

Uno scavo archeologico condotto dalla Cotswold Archaeology a Glassfields, in Old Bread Street a Bristol nel 2016–2017, ha portato alla luce una struttura interpretabile come pozzo nero/cisterna, che ha fornito un interessante nucleo di reperti comprendente i frammenti di un piatto di ceramica smaltata. Questo piatto era decorato con una scena dove era riprodotta una fornace da vetro a forma circolare conica, con intorno un paesaggio di alberi spugnati e recinzioni. Sul bordo sono dipinti quelli che sono stati interpretati come possibili strumenti per soffiare il vetro. Sulla superficie esterna del fondo, delle iniziali, che rimandano a tre lettere, suggeriscono che si trattasse di un piatto commemorativo.

RESUMEN

Un plato conmemorativo de Glassfields, Bristol

Durante una excavación arqueológica realizada por Cotswold Archaeology en Glassfields, Old Bread Street, Bristol en 2016–2017 se encontró en un pozo negro o cisterna un conjunto de objetos interesantes entre los cuales figura un plato con vidriado estannífero. El plato está decorado con una escena que representa un horno de cono humeante para vidrio rodeado de un paisaje de árboles y vallas. El borde está decorado con posibles herramientas para soplar vidrio. Las iniciales dibujadas en el reverso parecen sugerir que se trata de un plato conmemorativo.

Additional information

Funding

Royal London Asset Management funded the project.