Victorian Earthenware Staffordshire Figurines
Animals & Celebrities Loved by Collectors of This Popular Pottery
Staffordshire refers to a region in north east England famous for centuries for pottery production. Thanks to fortunate geology and geography in the form of fine local clay, abundant fuel (coal) and adequate river transportation, this area became the center of the British pottery industry as early as the mid-17th century. Today, this region remains the center of industry, with Stoke-on-Trent, a city formed in 1910 with the incorporation of six boroughs: Hansley, Burslem, Longton, Stoke, Tunstall, and Fenton.
Minton, Wedgwood & More
Famous potteries in the area included Minton & Co (1798-present), Wedgwood (1759-present) and George Jones & Co, but it has been estimated that through the centuries there have been as many as 1,500 factories, as well as a thriving cottage trade.
Staffordshire: Potters for the Middle Class
Staffordshire pottery was a response to the overwhelming popularity of the porcelain figurines created by high-end potterworks such as Derby. By 1810, the middle class was growing and also had mantelpieces that needed decorating. The large and small potteries of Staffordshire responded by creating inexpensive earthenware versions of popular porcelain figurines by Derby, whose wares were so popular that almost as soon as a new figure was released, Staffordshire potters copied it.
Victorian Staffordshire Forms
Early figurine forms favored children, allegorical figures, biblical scenes and country life. The Victorians, however, preferred animal forms and figures of celebrities which included the Royal Family, military and naval heroes, politicians, actors, sportsmen, and religious figures. Figurines intended for display on mantelpieces were called flat backs, as they were molded and painted on three sides only.
Victorian Celebrity Figurines
In an age before television or even widespread access to photographs, people rarely knew what the day’s newsmakers looked like, and Staffordshire figurines filled the void. Figurines of popular theatrical celebrities were available to those unable to see their favorites onstage. Victorians were also early fans of the true crime genre, as evidenced by the popularity of figures of notorious murderers, their victims, and crime scenes. An 1838 multiple murder committed by James B. Rush was commemorated in a series, including James Rush at his trial, the country house where the murder occurred, a figurine of his mistress-turned-wife, and Norwich Castle where his sentence (death by hanging) was carried out.
Victorian Staffordshire Collectible Figures& Values
In the pottery hierarchy, the most talented decorators worked on the higher-end pottery, and the less skilled, including children, produced Staffordshire. This gives the figures a folk-like rustic charm that has been delighting collectors since the early 20th century. Collectors seek examples in excellent condition with sharp molding and vivid colors, but will accept some damage especially on unusual and popular pieces such as murderers and portraits. They will pay higher prices for exotic animals such as tigers, zebras, and elephants.
Animal forms were always presented in pairs, and today a pair is almost always worth more than the price of two single figures. Values are highest for the most famous celebrities, with the exception of Queen Victoria due to the overwhelming quantities in which she was reproduced. A quick eBay check turned up a damaged Duke of Wellington for $60, a John Wesley for $100, and a contemporary Prince on a Dog for $80; however, fine examples in pairs can sell for prices in the low thousands.
Source
- Miller, Judith Editor Miller’s Antiques Encyclopedia c1998 Reed Consumer Books Ltd.
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