Curious Fire Damaged Coffee Cup Rescued From Fire At Lake House Salisbury 1912 With Handwritten Label
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A curious antique early 20th century fire damaged coffee cup with a period handwritten label stating it was rescued from a house fire at the Lake House, Salisbury in 1912. The current owner of the property is actually the musician Sting.
The Lake House originally belonged to the Duke family, but was occupied at the time of the fire by the family of Mr. Percy W. Illingworth, one of the Liberal Whips, who had rented it from Mr. Joseph W. Lovibond.
The fire broke out in the middle of the night. The first alert was through the watchfulness of a household pet, the Illingworth's retriever, that was accustomed to sleep at the bedroom door of Mr. & Mrs. Illingworth. By the time their pet alerted them, the room was full of smoke.
All occupants (the Illingworths, two children, a nurse, and nine servants) managed to escape in time. But, in the confusion, the dog went missing until it was heard barking from an upper room. It was gallantly rescued by Mr. Illingworth and the butler via a window and ladder.
Messages were sent to Salisbury and Amesbury fire brigades, which did not come before all hope of saving the building was gone. Very little escaped the fire. Mr. Illingworth had taken out no fire insurance policy. Lord Glenconner, who lived in nearby Wilsford Manor, sent over a motorcar with several clothes and other necessaries.
Attaching explanatory labels directly to artefacts (especially with handwritten notes) was a common practice in the Victorian and early 20th century periods. They were often handwritten by curators, collectors, or family members preserving relics. Inconsistencies in dates or spelling were common, especially before standardised museum practices.
This is a marvellous piece of social history from an event that rocked Salisbury.
Condition is structurally sound but fire damaged.
Measures 5cm x 7.5cm x 5.5cm
Weighs 70.91 grams