This vase was made to commemorate the first anniversary of the Armistice in 1919 and is a tribute to all those who served in World War I.
It is known as the Peace Vase and was made at Pilkington’s which were based at Clifton Junction near Swinton.
The word ‘Pax’ on the surface of the vase refers to friendship or truce, and the twisted branches, flora and fauna are to represent the barbed wire of the trenches.
The chief of the Pilkington pottery artists, Gordon Forsyth, had himself volunteered in 1916 and was much affected by the sadness he had seen.
When he returned to Pilkington’s after the war he produced bowls and vases which commemorated the war dead.
The vase is currently on display in the world war one exhibition ‘Salford:100 Years Ago’ at Salford Museum and Art Gallery.
