English glass beaker

This glass tumbler is another fine example of work by William Absolon of Yarmouth. Thought to commemorate Horatio Nelson's victory at the Battle of the Nile, this engraved tumbler is more likely to have been made for general sale.

The town of Yarmouth had strong and lasting links with Nelson. He landed there in 1800 after the battle of the Nile, to great acclaim. He also departed from Yarmouth in 1801 to fight, and win, the Battle of Copenhagen.

As well as the inscription 'Nelson's Victory' and the well-known toast 'Plenty to a Generous Mind' this glass also includes the initials 'WEW'. It is not known who this was, but Absolon's Nelson wares would have been especially popular during this time. Many of his customers would have been eager to drink a toast to a local man who was also a national hero!

It is not proven whether glass was manufactured in Norfolk at this time. Absolon however never made his own glass, or ceramics. He bought in plain 'blanks' and worked purely as a decorator.