Pap Boat 1750s

This small Pap Boat was made by Staffordshire Potteries, using molded earthenware. This simple, functional object speaks volumes about the social context of its creation. The Pap Boat is a slipcast form – meaning liquid clay was poured into a plaster mold. Once partly hardened, the excess was poured out, leaving a hollow shape. This process, developed in the 18th century, was revolutionary, allowing for the mass production of ceramics with consistent quality. The repeating geometric design molded into the surface speaks to this, with the crisp regularity only possible through industrial methods. The choice of earthenware, a readily available material, further emphasizes the boat's accessibility. The division of labor in the Staffordshire Potteries, with specialized workers performing repetitive tasks, reflects the rise of industrial capitalism. This piece represents a departure from individually crafted objects, embodying the efficiency and standardization of factory production. Yet, within its modest form, the Pap Boat tells a story of technological advancement and societal transformation.