Myrna Schkolne: Early Staffordshire Figures

This figure emblematic of the season of Summer is one of my favorites. The subject is quite mundane. Quite a few potters portrayed Summer thus. But what makes this figure special to me is the quality. Its excellence extends beyond its structural perfection. The enamels and glazes are simply beautiful. Bright and clear, but in no way harsh. The figure oozes charm. It is everything a Staffordshire figure should be.

This figure is in the "Sherratt" style. We can attribute it to the "Sherratt" potbank by a variety of features. The dress pattern and two red lines on the base of the figure are typically of other "Sherratt" wares. But the clincher is the little floral garland that you can see on the center front of the base. In fact there are three such garlands on the base. These are akin to "Sherratt" signatures. I have yet to find them on a figure that does not present other "Sherratt" attributes.

I am sure that Autumn, Winter, and Spring were made to go along with Summer, but as yet I have not found them. I live in hope!