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helved to the left of Barack Obama and directly below a scowling Clint
Eastwood sits a hand-painted mug bearing the image of collector Stephen M.
Mullins. The 85-year-old is recognizable in mug form because of the
bespectacled face and balding crown. A smaller, bathing-suit-clad version
of Mullins perches on the figure’s right shoulder. The placard below the
mug announces his title: Curator, American Toby Jug Museum. The white label
is equal in size and grandeur to those identifying Obama and Eastwood, a
hint at the lack of hierarchy found among the nearly 8,300 figural pieces
in the Evanston-based collection.
Mullins isn’t exactly thrilled by his own mug. The piece wasn’t his
decision but rather a gift he was given 11 years ago by his family, who
modeled the vessel after his two passions-Toby jug collecting and
competitive swimming. (He is a recent world champion in 800-meter freestyle
in the 85-plus age group.) The curator quickly turned my attention to the
classifications and origins of the other, less personal characters filling
the display case, notably the rows of English prime ministers and American
presidents. Mullins collects for completion rather than interest: new
Theresa May and Donald Trump character mugs should arrive at the museum
later this month. v
Wed-Fri and first and third Sat 10 AM-5 PM or by appointment, 910 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 877-862-9687, tobyjugmuseum.com. F
