Myrna Schkolne: Early Staffordshire Figures

I don't perceive myself as a lustre lover. Most of the pieces on the market get a bit heavy and Victorian for my taste--but I have always admired the Dixon & Austin ladies depicting the Four Seasons. Height around 9 inches.

To find an odd one or two of these figures is possible, but to locate a true set is a daunting task. Assembling a set is almost impossible because, placed side by side, odd examples can differ markedly in titling and intensity of color. Anyway, this set has lived together always. No repair or restoration either. Their early, soft lustre glimmers deliciously--rich and smooth. Marked beneath: DIXON AUSTIN & CO. This mark was used between 1820 and 1826 by the Sunderland  Pottery (also known as the Garrison Pottery because of its location next to the town barracks) on the mouth of the River Wear.

John Baker in his Bible on lustre, Old English Lustre Pottery, describes this set of Seasons as 'the most desirable examples of Sunderland pink lustred wares'. Few complete sets are documented. However, it seems these molds were used beyond the Garrison potbank. Perhaps they were first used elsewhere. Who knows? Enamel examples occur (see Autumn below) but I have yet to see all four examples, let alone a set.

Griselda Lewis, whom I admire greatly, used a set of Pratt ware Seasons in color on the inside cover (what do you call those pages?) of her latest edition of Pratt Ware. And Andrew Dando has a set of Pratt Seasons on his website, www.andrewdando.co.uk  See below. (Photo courtesy Andrew Dando Antiques.) First time I recall one of these sets on the market.

The Seasons seem to have been a particularly popular subject in the early 1800s. Probably the popularity of Thom's poems, titled The Seasons, made these figures appropriate decor for an aspirational upper middle class home. Many different sets were made--one day I shall try to document the number. It is never difficult to find an odd season. Finding a set is a true challenge. Assembling a set from varied examples usually leads to an obvious mismatch. So when you find a complete set you like, reach into your pocket.

I have a full set of Walton figures with bocages. Gorgeous things. You can see them in my book, People, Passions, Pastimes, and Pleasures: Staffordshire Figures 1810-1835. I first discovered these when photographing for my book. I made a point of never mixing my book with any commercial transaction, but as the collector and I became better friends I popped the question: Would he remember me IF he ever considered selling his Walton Seasons? He hesitated for a moment and then replied that he had no need of money, but there was another rare figure he badly wanted and he would trade if I could find the figure. The challenge was on! For six months I scoured the planet. Success at last! The trade was made across an ocean, and we are both so happy with the result.