I have spent the last ten days traveling. Yes, again! This time, I went to the UK to chase down a host of Staffordshire issues. My trip was filled with wonderful moments that included discovering figures I have not seen before (and you will be seeing them here at some point), meeting new collectors, seeing new collections, and, above all, catching up with collector and dealer friends.
Last Thursday, I went to the antiques show at the NEC. The first two hours were almost intoxicating as people thronged through the door and charged to make purchases. The large hall got quite hot. The show is not as big as it used to be and, sadly, there were not as many dealers selling figures. Philip Carrol was there--or at least his lovely stock was. I tried to catch up with him twice but missed him each time. Roger De Ville, as always, had a lovely small selection and he had a good day. Another dealer who must have had a good day was John Howard. No surprise here because John stocks the very best, and that is just what collectors want. Figures vanished quite quickly from John's stand--including the lovely dray men group I posted recently-- and I returned home to several emails from happy buyers.
Last Thursday, I went to the antiques show at the NEC. The first two hours were almost intoxicating as people thronged through the door and charged to make purchases. The large hall got quite hot. The show is not as big as it used to be and, sadly, there were not as many dealers selling figures. Philip Carrol was there--or at least his lovely stock was. I tried to catch up with him twice but missed him each time. Roger De Ville, as always, had a lovely small selection and he had a good day. Another dealer who must have had a good day was John Howard. No surprise here because John stocks the very best, and that is just what collectors want. Figures vanished quite quickly from John's stand--including the lovely dray men group I posted recently-- and I returned home to several emails from happy buyers.
Rare 'Sherratt' performing animal troupe in the stock of John Howard. H: 8'.
John has a fabulous performing animal troupe, very much in the "Sherratt" style. You can see one like it--but with major restorations--in my book. I included it in the book, despite the made-up dog and monkey, among other things, because it is such a rare treasure. John's is simply dazzling. The enamels are spiffy and all the figures are original, with just the tiniest restorations. It is as fine an example as you will ever see. Why didn't I buy it? Well, I own two performing animal troupes already (see November blog here), so this has to go to another home.
I did buy one little figure in the UK. (Poor picture and the figure is dirty....needs a bath.) But, as you can see, this man with a barrel organ is formed from the same molds as used for the figure in John's troupe. You also find him on large "Sherratt" menageries. I was pleased with my purchase.
I did buy one little figure in the UK. (Poor picture and the figure is dirty....needs a bath.) But, as you can see, this man with a barrel organ is formed from the same molds as used for the figure in John's troupe. You also find him on large "Sherratt" menageries. I was pleased with my purchase.
I now have several little "Sherratt" musicians...more on that another time. As you know, I love little figures. They really display fantastically among bigger stuff.
I spent a day visiting Andrew and Jan Dando in Bradford-on-Avon. The shop was charming and I was struck by the quality of the stock. I know Andrew takes fabulous pictures, but the stock was even nicer in real life. Andrew clearly has a great eye. I even found myself admiring some of the early porcelain figures, but fear not! I shall never be a porcelain collector.
Am I in a hurry to go back?. Not after my ten-plus hour wait for a connection in Washington. I got home at 4:00 a.m. and don't intend hauling out a suitcase for a long, long time.
I spent a day visiting Andrew and Jan Dando in Bradford-on-Avon. The shop was charming and I was struck by the quality of the stock. I know Andrew takes fabulous pictures, but the stock was even nicer in real life. Andrew clearly has a great eye. I even found myself admiring some of the early porcelain figures, but fear not! I shall never be a porcelain collector.
Am I in a hurry to go back?. Not after my ten-plus hour wait for a connection in Washington. I got home at 4:00 a.m. and don't intend hauling out a suitcase for a long, long time.
