STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERY PEARLWARE FIGURE OF A LION c1825

Reference: 6096

Dated: c. 1820 STAFFORDSHIRE ENGLISH

Antique Staffordshire pottery figure of a standing lion.
The figure is modelled standing on a colourful base.
The figure is the same model for Nero the famous lion.
Nero was a favorite with the English public as part of Wombwell Menagerie.
He was so friendly that he even allowed his keepers to take rides on his back.
One of the less savoury aspects of Wombwell’s exhibitions was lion baiting in which six bull mastiffs were pitched against one lion, with the lion invariably emerging victorious.
Unfortunately for Wombwell his favourite lion, Nero, refused to have anything to do with this, prefering to lie around doing nothing. George therefore had to buy another lion called Wallace to do the fighting.

Dimensions: 7.50 inch wide 5.50 inch high

Medium: antique English Staffordshire pearlware pottery with enamel colours

Current Condition Two hairlines at original tail.

Literature: re. Myrna Schkolne Book. Staffordshire Figures 1810-35.
Chapter 14 is devoted to figures of Nero and Wallace.

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