Myrna Schkolne: Early Staffordshire Figures

If you celebrate Christmas--and most of the world does not--you are probably racking your brain for perfect gifts for those you love. For the Staffordshire figure collector, what could be more ideal than figures depicting the holy family's flight to and return from Egypt?

The Flight and Return have been depicted as mirror images in art for centuries. The Return is depicted on the 8th century Ruthwell Cross, and in the 12th century the St. Alban's Psalter depicted both scenes. By the 19th century, these were common depictions in even cheap wood cuts used to decorate penny broadsides and chapbooks. Both scenes occur in crudely colored cottage prints published early in the century by P &P Gally.

Seems that these popular images translated into commercially successful model for early 19th century potters, and several had a go at fashioning them. John Walton even made two versions of the Flight and Return: one pair sport bocages, the other have spill vases instead. Walton actually titled his figures, which is a nice touch. See my book for an example.

Despite the popularity of these figures in their time, today it is quite difficult to find an attractive pair in good nick. Again, I would not mid owning a fine example of either the Flight or Return, unpaired. Either one stands very well on its own.

If an important Staffordshire figure would bust your budget, consider an alternative gift that will give a lifetime of pleasure.

My book is an appropriate gift at any time of year for collectors of all faiths, ages, and sexes. But above all, whatever your faith--or lack thereof--have a happy holiday season.
Additional Factoids:
My book can be purchased from leading ceramics dealers Nick Burton, Andrew Dando, John Howard, Elinor Penna, Sampson Horne.
Reference Works stocks the book for European distribution. www.referenceworks.co.uk
In the US and Canada, order at www.hotlanepress.com. Signed copies available on request.
Amazon has copies in stock.