Source Description:

Title: The Durham Ox     
Artist:  Boultbec, T.
Engraver / Plate Maker:  Whessell, T.
Size:  19.5 inches x 23.5 inches
Print Date:  1802
A hand colored stipple engraving. The script under the print reads as follows: "The Durham Ox. To the Right Honorable Lord Somerville this print is with great respect humbly dedicated by his Lordship's most obedt. Servant John Day. This wonderful animal is now the property of Mr. John Day of Harmston, near Lincoln, and was, March 20, 1802, six years old."

Description:

A large oval indented earthenware platter printed with a pattern given the name Durham Ox with John Day. It is from the Durham Ox Series and is one of at least nine known patterns in the series made on dinner and dessert ware. This pattern is only found on large platters.  Its source is a hand colored stipple engraving by T. Whessell after a painting by T. Boultbec, see source print below.  The engraving was published in 1802. The gentleman seen in the pattern is believed to be John Day of Harmston near Lincoln who was both the owner of the animal and the publisher of the engraved print.  The breeders of the Durham Ox were the brothers Charles and Robert Colling of Ketton Farm in 1796.  John Day is said to have acquired the animal in 1802 when the animal was 6 years of age.  Reference: Comben. Norman, The Durham Ox, Adlard Print & Reprographics, Nottingham, 2007. 

For more examples form the Durham Ox Series, click here, or on the Series link below.