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?
Picture
Staffordshire figures, pearlware, depicting the Flight to and Return from Egypt. From the stock of Madelena Antiques.
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.
Picture
'Sherratt' style Flight to Egypt from the stock of John Howard.
If an important Staffordshire figure would bust your budget, consider an alternative gift that will give a lifetime of pleasure.
Picture
'People, Passions, Pastimes, and Pleasures: Staffordshire Figures 1810-1835' by Myrna Schkolne features 332 fine figures in large, color photographs.
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.
 


Comments

Pat Halfpenny
05/10/2011 14:38

What is the exact definitive evidence that Ralph Wood was potting in Burslem in 1782?

John Wood was listed as a potter in Burslem in Bailey's Directory of 1781. He had business with his uncle as the managing partner since 1779 (see Wedgwood account book) JohnWedgwood dies 1780 -John Wood carried on alone (see John Wedgwood's will)

In 1782 Ralph Wood was bankrupt with at least 26 creditors in London, Stourbridge and the North Staffs Potteries - the meeting to try to settle the situation was called by John Wood in March of 1782 - where did a bankrupt with a case of sexual abuse charged against him get the funds and the support to open a new business?

Again where is the proof that Ralph was in business alone in Burslem in 1782 - We can prove John was!

Respectfully

Pat Halfpenny

Reply
Myrna Schkolne
05/10/2011 15:55

Hello Pat,
I am honored and humbled that you have even glanced at my pages. All collectors are enormously indebted to you for, among other things, opening the can of worms on RW. Unfortunately, I believe we have scope for endless debate here!

As you know, RW invoiced Wedgwood for figures in August 1782. I see no reason why Ralph should not have made these figures.
Yes, he could have been reselling John's wares (but why would John not have simply supplied Wedgwood directly?) Ralph's family had helped him financially in the past. In addition, he had married well. Thus, it is not implausible that he had resources to bounce back from his bankruptcy by mid 1782. The very existence of the August 1782 invoice, in my opinion, tilts the balance in favor of Ralph being in business. Circumstantial evidence has taken many a man to the gallows, and I believe the invoice to be more than circumstantial evidence.

As I see it, by 1783 RW was certainly potting: he invoices Wedgwood twice, and he joins cousin Enoch in partnership for a few weeks in November, bringing with him "all {his} things".

I think that by the time we get to 1784, we agree: RW is potting for his own account! I believe that the balance of evidence supports a 1782 date. I expect you disagree--but we have come such a long way on this topic in the last decades, and I am indebted to you for delving into the issue...and to Wynn for doggedly pursuing it further. To be only disagreeing about two years is progress indeed.
With many thanks and great respect,
Myrna

Reply



Leave a Reply