Myrna Schkolne: Early Staffordshire Figures

I know a collector with the most amazing collection of early Staffordshire figures--probably the largest collection in the world. Her favorite figure is about two inches tall, not very well modelled or overly decorated, but it just nestles comfortably in her hand. This figure she intends taking with her if she ever has to move into the final stages of retirment living.  I don't find her choice particularly odd, because the longer I collect the more I love little figures. No disrespect to those large masterpieces the potters wrought. I gaze at them in endless awe. But being awed can be tiring...and little figures are so comforting, so tactile.

My "Green Man", as I call the figure above, is not quite a tiny figure, but he is small. No more than 6 inches. I fell in love with him and my friend Nick Burton bought him for me a good while ago. I love the color, his sweet face, and the quaintness of the long coat on such a youthful form. A child dressed to look like a little old man.  I can hold this figure in my hand and feel it warm to my touch as it brings a smile to my face. I can even give it a good squeeze--and all becomes right with my day.

About two years after buying my Green Man, I found the figure below. The similarities and differences intrigued me.

Clearly, this figure has been made by the same factory and from a very similar mold. Just some change to the length of the coat and the hat brim.  Both figure forms are quite uncommon, although I have seen another example of the boy with the short coat. He is lovely, but the Green Man owns a piece of my heart.

Figures such as these add great charm to any collection. And they can be very affordable, despite their rarity. As I always remind beginning collectors, you can get a great little figure for less than the price of a night in a NY hotel. So keep your eyes open!