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Allgood (Maker)

Japanned tray, an example of Pontypool ware, a lacquer-type effect developed by Thomas Allgood. C.1820. From Usk, Monmouthshire.
This japanned tray is an example of Pontypool ware. Pontypool ware is a method of japanning which uses an oil varnish and heat to produce a lacquer-type effect and was developed by Thomas Allgood of Pontypool, Torfaen. This tray is dark brown, rather than the more common black, and has a floral border – the colour suggests it was made by the Usk branch of the Allgood family. It probably dates from circa 1820. The tray originally belonged to the donor’s great-grandmother, who lived in Usk, Monmouthshire, and was passed down through the family.

Tray: wood

MERL 'Handwritten catalogue' form – ‘Used in various places. For detailed account of its history and notes on Pontypool ware see the enclosed letter from Mrs Pittock. // Probably made by Allgood family of USK, c.1820. Rare because of its style and brown colour (instead of the usual black). // Mrs Pittock’s great-grandmother, Mrs Groves, Maryport St. Usk, first possessed & used it, and it has been passed down in the family ever since…’, Letter, Mrs F. M. Pittock to MERL, 12 April 1963 – ‘…Mr. [Robert] Stephen [ on the staff of the West Man. Boys’ Grammar School, Pontypool and author of a manuscript on Pontypool ware] told me that he was certain by its brownish tinge that the tray had been manufactured in Usk by the Usk branch of the Allgood family, possibly about 1820 (as far as my memory serves for the actual date). This was very accurate judgement on his part, for my great-grandmother, a Mrs Groves, lived and brought up her family Maryport Street, Usk. The tray was originally her property and has been passed down since her day. It was given to me on condition that it never left there family, but there are no blood relations to whom it can be passed. So I feel that its rightfully place is in a Museum of Rural Life…’

Usk

1800-01-01 - 1824-12-31

Early-nineteenth century