ANTIQUE STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERY FIGURES OF MUSICIANS PR.

Reference: 4572

Dated: c. 1820 England

Pair of antique Staffordshire pottery pearlware glazed figures of musicians. The figure seated on scroll bases and surrounded by bocage. Well modelled and colored they make a very decorative pair and date from the c1820 period.

EXHIBITION....IF THESE POTS COULD TALK.

The Derby porcelain factory were responsible for the original modelling of this pair. They were so successful commercially for the Derby Factory that the Staffordshire potters, never slow to miss a trick, produced them in pottery which would have made them significantly cheaper. It is interesting to compare the Derby Porcelain pair with the pottery examples, and for me that touch of the naive in the pottery example makes them far more interesting than the rather defined and stiff porcelain pair.The Staffordshire potters often copied succesful versions of porcelain examples, a closer look at the pottery pieces often reveal a touch of humour such as a whimsical smile on the face of a sheep or the rather dopey expression given to the dog. This is personal taste of course and Derby collectors will probably not agree with me.
Myrna Schkolne in her Book on Staffordshire figures 1810-35 illustrates a pair and she describes them as reflecting the continued popularity amongst the upper classes
of classical musical performances in the Continental style. These figures would have reflected the personal style and taste of the original owners. They may have been on display in pride of place to show off to their neighbours and friends and inform them of their sophistication.

Dimensions: 7.00 inch high

Medium: antique staffordshire pearlware bocage figures pottery ceramic

Literature: RE.MYRNA SCHKOLNE BOOK STAFFORDSHIRE fIGURES C1810-35 page 237.

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