Myrna Schkolne: Early Staffordshire Figures

It's not all it's cracked up to be. I don't know the origin of that phrase, but it certainly applies to Staffordshire figures, even when there is not a crack to be seen. We spend a lot of time looking at gorgeous things on this site. But truth be told, lots of very ugly figures were made in the early 19th century.  A few have popped onto my screen in recent days. Let's see what you think.

Coming up at Stair on Sept 12, these remind me of the crowd taking mud baths after our dip in Israel's Dead Sea.

Pearlware busts of Homer and Plato coming up at Christies, London. Very nice that they have impressed E. Wood marks...but could you live with either one of these men?

This lion was scheduled to go to a new home today, Sept 8. Hitherto caged at Bonhams, Chester. Looks like his meal is not agreeing with him!

Now I am not saying these pieces are not in fine condition and that they may or may not be had for very reasonable prices. But you do have to like what you collect. Thankfully, we do not all like the same things, so perhaps these figures will find loving homes. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder!