Object in Focus - Bargee Jug

This is a painted and decorated bargee's water jug with handle and lid, made of galvanised iron. It has a fixed handle to the side and a swivelling carrying handle on the top. There is a hinged half lid. It is painted black with a red central band, ribbed in white. Each of the three bands and the top is decorated with colourful floral impressions.

Canal art is very colourful, the aim being to add splashes of colour to everyday items quickly. The Grand Union Canal, which runs through Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead and Tring, links London to Birmingham.

Berkhamsted was once a busy inland port and the centre of boat building activity, and is still known as the Port of Berkhamsted today.