I am quite fascinated by this tiny bust (around 6"), formerly in the stock of Andrew Dando. The bust has "Byron" inscribed on the reverse, and Byron it is. But the socle is what grabs my attention.
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The socle is very "Sherratt"-like in the manner in which it is painted. The colors and the sponging of the black immediately evoke "Sherratt." The motif in the center is interesting. It is a coat of arms of sorts, with the lion and unicorn to either side and a crown atop, as on the royal coat of arms. The center has three feathers, the Prince of Wales feathers.....so this coat of arms must reference the Prince of Wales. The most famous Prince of Wales of the early 1800s was the man who went on to become George IV in 1820. As Prince of Wales, he ruled England as Prince Regent before coming to the throne, but he is best remembered for his rather debauched life style. The initials GR are on the bottom of the socle (George Rex, what else could it be??), so I conclude that the bust was made to commemorate the Prince of Wales being crowned George IV.
My association of this bust with "Sherratt" is strengthened by the same motif on this petite box.
My association of this bust with "Sherratt" is strengthened by the same motif on this petite box.
Busts tend to be rather devoid of features, but this box oozes "Sherratt" features. Look at how the box is painted to simulate woodgrain. I have seen such painting in only one other place: on the tables on "Sherratt" groups such as this Tee Total group, below, formerly in the stock of Andrew Dando. Look carefully and you will see that the table is painted in much the same distinctive manner as the sides of the box.
Also, look at the leafy design on each of the swags on the front of the apron base (right beneath the title plaques.) These designs are a little difficult to see clearly on this picture, but I have looked at several figures in the flesh, so to speak. I conclude that the molds used for these delicate sprig designs were also used to make the upright sprigs to either side of the coat of arm on the little box.
And the perky pooch atop the box is yet another link to "Sherratt." This is the standard "Sherratt" dog. You see him here on a "Sherratt" wedding group.
Connecting the dots helps me link both the bust and the box to "Sherratt". This box in the Willett Collection is larger, and it also links to "Sherratt".
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It shares many similarities with the first box, but clearly the dog has been replaced with a girl leaning on a plinth. Can we tie the girl on a plinth to "Sherratt"??? No problem! Look at the little figure placed next to the box, above. The floral sprigs applied to the base are akin to "Sherratt" signatures. They are only found applied to "Sherratt" figures.
Each and every one of these items is gorgeous, but knowing what links them to each other does, to my mind, make them even more fascinating.
Each and every one of these items is gorgeous, but knowing what links them to each other does, to my mind, make them even more fascinating.
