A satirical creamware mug relating to the Mary Anne Clarke scandal c.1809, printed and hand-coloured with the Duke of York and Albany hiding behind a curtain while Mrs Clarke instructs her servants to burn books and paper records on a large fire, a long crack, 12.5cm. Cf. David Drakard, Printed English Pottery, p.220. Mary Anne Clarke was the mistress of Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany. He set her up with a lavish lifestyle that he lacked the funds to maintain. A scandal broke in 1809 when Clarke revealed to the House of Commons that she had sold army commissions with the knowledge of the Duke of York.