Sam Margolin
Tribute to an Unsung Hero

Ceramics in America 2021

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Contents
  • Figure 1
    Figure 1

    Ralph Hedley (British, 1848–1913), Invention of the Lifeboat, Willie Wouldhave, 1789, 1896. Oil on canvas, 43 x 36 1/4". (© Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums / Bridgeman Images.)  

  • Figure 2
    Figure 2

    Pitcher, Ball Brothers, Deptford Pottery, Sunderland, England, ca. 1889. Luster-decorated whiteware. H. 6 1/4". Inscribed: “THE FIRST LIFE BOAT WAS BUILT AT / SOUTH SHIELDS. / 1789.” (Collection of the author; photo, Robert Hunter.) 

  • Figure 3
    Figure 3

    Detail of the reverse of the pitcher illustrated in fig. 2. Inscribed: “THE INVENTOR OF THE LIFEBOAT / WILLIE WOULDHAVE / 1789 / COPYRIGHT OF BALL BROS SUNDERLAND” (Photo, Robert Hunter.)