English glass rummer

This wine glass was decorated by William Absolon of Yarmouth. His subjects frequently included naval and military themes, along with shipbuilding and other commerce. Yarmouth flourished during the late eighteenth-early nineteenth century. It was an important port, and its activities attracted abundant trade and visitors.

Absolon was the first producer of commemorative wares of this type whose work is recognisable. Many of his works commemorated major national events with a local link. Probably the most important of these is the connection with Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, who was a native of Norfolk and whose victorious career occasioned several of Absolon's most significant commemoratives.

This goblet is particularly rare, probably unique. It is the type known as a 'rummer'. It bears the coat of arms of Baron Nelson of the Nile. Nelson landed in Yarmouth in 1800 after his victory on the Nile and according to a contemporary source 'Mr Absolon presented the hero with two glasses of local manufacture'. This glass is considered to be one of those two. The form of the painted crest itself confirms this likelihood. Nelson was created a Baron in 1798, but did not become a Viscount until 1801. His coming to Yarmouth and being presented with the glasses by Absolon occurred in1800, between the conferring of Nelson's first honour and the second, and the design of the crest reflects this.