A Garnkirk urn on stand, circa 1850

The Garnkirk factory is recorded as exhibiting “glazed wares” at the 1851 Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace. It seems likely that the Garnkirk Works was originally intended just as a manufactory for firebricks and other utilitarian items but in 1833 the company was already advertising “Ornamental vases after the antique”. It was recognised that the light stone colour of the fireclay admirably suited it to the manufacture of “sculpture, modelling, pottery ware etc.” The Garnkirk fireclay pits were exhausted in 1895 and the buildings were advertised for sale in 1901.

This model was exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851, and is illustrated in the Garnkirk catalogue as “The Vase of all Nations”. It depicts Queen Victoria seated resplendently with sceptre and orb surrounded by figures representing Africa, the Orient and North America offering examples of industry and commerce.