Staffordshire Figures 1780-1840

While it lasts, you may want to look at this rare figure on Aurea Carter's site . The figure is rare in form, and it is impressed with a particularly rare mark.

The figure depicts Ganymede, cup bearer to the gods. To state the obvious, he holds a cup in his hand. The mark on the figure is especially uncommon: LAKIN & POOLE. This mark helps us date the figure with some precision, because the Burslem partnership between Thomas Lakin and John Ellison Poole lasted only from 1791-1796.  Lakin and Poole figures and groups are quite recognizable because they share common features: they stand on subtly marbled bases, the figures have receding chins, the style is neoclassical, the color palettte is very pastel, the titling (when found) is beautifully done with the precision associated with print rather than free-hand painting.

Impress this figure on your mind and it will help you recognize other Lakin & Poole figures. There aren't many, but they are all so interesting.