This well-known Glasgow pottery was established by two brothers, John and Matthew Perston Bell in the early 19th century. It was situated on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal in the Port Dundas area. It first made fireclay sanitary ware but started manufacturing china and white earthenware around 1842.
Bridgeton Burns Club (No. 49) was formed in 1870 on the initiative of John Wilson, its first president. Its principal aim was to celebrate the life and works of Robert Burns by introducing his songs and poetry to the young people of Glasgow through the Club’s Annual Schools Competition. It is one of the oldest and still one of the most active with a national and international reputation.
This punchbowl is part of a collection donated by the Club which includes minute books and other non-book material associated with the club.