Title: Saucer

Diameter: 14.2cm
Date: c.1825
Probably made in Pennsylvania, USA
Provenance: gift of Miss Mary Farquhar Green, 1967
Museum No: OLNCN: 831

The saucer has a transfer print that depicts Mary Unwin being supported by Cowper and Hannah Wilson after her stroke.

Cowper originally met William Unwin, Mary's son, coming out of church, the young undergraduate making himself known to Cowper. They became fast friends. Unwin introduced Cowper to his parents, the Rev. Morley Unwin and his wife. He took up lodging with the family and a fortnight's stay became a 22 year connection. In a letter to his cousin dated 11 March 1767, Cowper writes:

To find those I love, clearly and strongly persuaded of evangelical truth, gives me a pleasure superior to any this world can afford me.

He took up gardening at this time, no doubt finding it therapeutic and calming. On the 14 March he writes:

I am become a great Florist and Shrub-doctor.

About 18 months after Cowper first moved in with the Unwin family the Rev. Unwin was killed in a riding accident. Mrs Unwin resolved to leave Huntingdon and wished to live in a town where they would be under the pastorship of an evangelical minister. The Rev. John Newton had a letter of introduction to Morley Unwin and his interesting paying guest William Cowper, and by chance he arrived at this time. Where better to go than Olney where Newton was the curate?