An early Coalport William Hill Election jug, circa 1802An early Coalport William Hill Election jug, circa 1802Commemorating the Shrewsbury Election, of baluster shape moulded with spiral or shanked flutes around the body, printed in blue on both sides with the arms of the Corporation of Shrewsbury and of William Hill, their crests on the cylindrical neck, 21.8cm highProvenanceBonhams, 18 May 2016, lot 361A similar jug is illustrated and discussed by Michael Messenger, Coalport (1995), p.62, pl.12 (right). This important jug and others similar relate to the Shrewsbury elections of 1796 and 1802, which saw fierce political battles between two cousins, William and John Hill. Various jugs were made at Caughley and Coalport to be used during the elections in order to canvas support. In 1796 William Hill was elected but the results were highly contentious. William was re-elected in 1802 and it is likely that this jug was made to commemorate his victory in that year.