I returned in the early hours of this morning from the Wolfson Children's Hospital Antiques show in Jacksonville. This annual event that raises almost $1m for the hospital it benefits. What a razzle-dazzle extravaganza, thanks to the hard work of the 300 women who make it happen. I enjoyed lecturing to a surprisingly large crowd...but the highlight of my time in Jacksonville was my time with collectors.

Elinor Penna represented Staffordshire at the show. The show's theme this year was The Circus, and Elinor had a dazzling display of circus animals and personalities. I have never seen her stand look prettier. Of course early figures were very well represented too...and business seemed brisk. I am kicking myself for not photographing Elinor's stand for you, but here are some shots of figures Elinor had for sale.

These are a true pair--so uncommon to find a pair that have been together always. Why am I so sure? Apart from matching in all detail, they each have a painter's mark, the number 89, painted in red beneath!

I thought these particularly coloful and they sit well together. They are different sizes. The larger is 6" tall, the smaller 5". Sweet? BTW, this is just a snap with my pocket camera. hence the make-do background. I measured the heights by laying the figures on a paper napkin, marking the heights on the napkin....and measuring at home!

Ale Bench and Teetotal groups. So unusual to see them as a pair in this form.

The little shepherdess above is in the 'Sherratt' style. Multiple features link her to the large body of figures we attribute to a potbank called 'Sherratt'--only for convenience. We wish we knew who made these figures, we would like to think they were made by Obadiah Sherratt, but we will probably never know.

The pair of dandies below measure 8".

And a last glimpse of everyday life, as it once was.

 


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