Very Rare Vintage 1980s ‘Dove of Peace’ Slipware Jug by Paul Jackson, Helland Pottery, Cornwall

A truly special and rare slipware jug by celebrated studio potter Paul Jackson, created at his renowned Helland Pottery near Bodmin, Cornwall. This large and generous form is hand-thrown in red earthenware and decorated in Jackson’s distinctive painterly slipware style, alive with character, movement, and narrative charm.

The jug features a strikingly whimsical dove, painted in bold sweeps of yellow, cobalt, and green. Beneath the bird’s body, the words “Dove of Peace” are inscribed, giving the piece both symbolic resonance and a warm, almost folkloric presence. Around the body, Jackson has added fluid brushstrokes of slip and trailing botanical motifs: leaves, fruits, and flower garlands, all painted with a looseness that captures both spontaneity and joy.

The rim and foot are banded with deep blue, contrasting beautifully with the warm terracotta base, which carries Jackson’s impressed monogram. The jug’s handle is embellished with a line of slip dots, completing the piece with the potter’s characteristic attention to playful detailing.

Paul Jackson (b.1953) established Helland Pottery in the 1970s and quickly became known for his reinterpretation of traditional slipware, infusing it with contemporary colour, humour, and expressive brushwork. His work is represented in galleries across the UK and is highly sought after by collectors. Large jugs such as this one, with narrative figuration and inscription, are especially rare.

This is more than a vessel, it is a statement piece, full of vitality and symbolism, offering both functionality and artistry. It would display beautifully as a centrepiece with flowers, or stand alone as a collector’s item that embodies the folk traditions of British slipware, reimagined for the 20th century.

Dimensions;
Height: 21cm
Top length: 10cm x width: 9cm
Base diameter: 10cm

Condition: Excellent vintage condition with only light, age-appropriate wear. No chips or cracks.

Maker’s Mark: Impressed with Paul Jackson’s monogram to the base. This specific stamp dates the piece to the 1980s. 

Provenance: Handmade at Helland Pottery, Bodmin, Cornwall, c. the 1980s 

A wonderful opportunity to own a rare and expressive piece of Cornish studio pottery by one of Britain’s most imaginative slipware potters.