Staffordshire Figures 1780-1840

The first Staffordshire pearlware bocage figure group that I ever saw was the one sometimes titled Perswaition. It was in a dealer's stock, but I was very young, very intimidated, and lacked the courage to enquire...but the group stuck in my mind and pushed me along the path to collecting.  Perswaition remains one of my favorite groups, and Roger de Ville now has what appears to be a particulary attractive Perswaition group in stock. 

I love this particular bocage, which is not seen too frequently on Perswaition groups, all of which originate from the same pot bank.

We call this group "Perswaition" because the Fitzwilliam Museum has an example titled Perswaition in a little yellow tablet on the base. Think you want a titled example? I believe the Fitzwilliam's example may be the only one. You can see it on page 64 of my book, People, Passions, Pastimes, and Pleasures: Staffordshire Figures 1810-1835.

For a long time, collectors believed that Jane Austen's novel "Persuasion", published in 1818, inspired pearlware Perswaition groups. Instead, this glass picture bearing the title "Persuasion" and dated 1809, is clearly the figure's design source. So Perswaition  can date to as early as 1809. Obviously dated design sources are invaluable in guiding the dating of our figures.

Did I eventually acquire a Perswaition group? Yes! But it took 20 more years for me to find one that I thought was simply delicious. Along the way, I passed on some very nice examples, but I wanted great glaze, pretty enamels, wonderful expressions on the faces, and minimal restoration. If being a picky collector is not punishment enough, life got more difficult when FedEx lost Perswaition enroute from the UK.  All ended well, and my Perswaition gives me endless pleasure. When you find the one that is right for you, carpe diem!