'Phoebe' punchbowl connected with the Liverpool slave trade
Date made: 18th century
Description: A ceramic punchbowl from the Grove, Ramsey in 'Liverpool Delft' tin-glazed majolica c.1760-70. Lettering inside: 'Success to the Phoebe' below a picture of a sailing vessel. The vessel flies two union jacks of the pre-1801 design. Flower decoration outside in Fazackerly style. The Phoebe was probably a slave ship operating out of Liverpool in the 18th century.
It seems likely that the Phoebe was part owned by a forebear of the Misses Gibb of the Grove, though exactly which is not clear. A 1752 list of Liverpool slave ships records a Phoebe, master W. Lawson, belonging to A. and B. Heywood and Co. Possibly this vessel? Additionally, Frances Wilkins in 'Manx Slave Traders' notes a Phoebe with connection to the Isle of Man having a protection against impressment dated 1 February 1756 (master James Bennett) though the source of this information is not given.
Measurements: 26.5cm x 10.5cm
Materials: ceramic
Object name: Punch Bowl
Collection: Social History Collection
ID Number: 1976-1100
Comments
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