Seconds Smugglers Night 159/8 Vase

Each year, in Lewes, East Sussex, seven bonfire societies put on costumed parades through the town, holding aloft papier-mâché figures of famous historical people. Each bonfire society drags flaming tar barrels through the streets of a different area of the town, ending in a bonfire and firework display. The origins of this event started over two hundred years ago, but what was originally a night of chaos is now a night of family-friendly fun for all.

The bonfire societies each have costumes that they wear. Themes include ancient Greeks, buccaneers, French revolutionaries, monks, Tudors, Vikings and smugglers. These ‘smugglers’ wear striped jumpers in colours that identify their society, with white trousers, black boots, and a hat or bandanna. In Kerry’s design it is, of course, Guy Fawkes who is being paraded by the torch carrying townsfolk. In the pitch-black sky, fireworks rocket overhead bringing with them a kaleidoscope of colour for a brief moment.

Bonfire night, or Guy Fawkes’ Night, as it is also known, is one of the most widely celebrated events in the British calendar. On the 5th of November each year, in the dark skies above us, there are flashes and cracks as fireworks fly, sparklers sizzle and the air around us is filled with smoke and the smells from tasty food stalls. Many people will attend a community bonfire or firework display, though not all will be on scale of the annual parade in Lewes, which is a real rare treat to enjoy.

What is a Moorcroft second? All our art pottery is closely inspected before it leaves the Moorcroft factory and the selection process is as rigorous as any in the world. As a result, not all pieces emerge unblemished in their quality assessment. The fault or faults may be in the finish of a piece, whether it be a tiny tubeline miss, an incorrectly painted petal, or a small glaze run. Seconds are not ‘red-dotted’, all of them are far too good for that, and each seconds piece has a charm and individuality of its own. Any fault is not structural and the piece can still be used for the purpose it was made. 

The 'Was' price shown is the Best Quality RRP of this design and shape.

A Gift Box is not supplied with this product

Was: £660.00
Ex Tax: £357.50

• Designer: Kerry Goodwin
• Dimensions: H 20.50 x W 10.00 x D 10.00 cm
• Availability: In Stock