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Tam O'Shanter and Souter Johnnie

9/21/2009

9 Comments

 
Inebriated characters from a Scottish poem are improbable Staffordshire figure subjects, but Robert Burns's Tam O'Shanter, telling of drunken Tam's encounter with witches and warlocks, hit home in 19th century England. Ultimately, the tale's popularity turned poetry into pottery. Two collectors have generously shared their collections of Tam figures with us.
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Staffordshire figures of Tam and Johnnie mimic the life-sized stone statues created around 1828 by a self-taught Scottish stonemason, James Thom. Thom’s statues--see below-- were first exhibited in Ayr in 1828. Their exhibition in London in 1829 was well received, and critics applauded the natural genius of the journeyman mason who had hitherto earned his keep chiseling tombstones. Thom produced replicas of the Tam and Johnnie statues in England between 1828 and 1835. He sent some to Philadelphia for exhibit and in 1836 sailed to America and ultimately settled there.
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Because Staffordshire figures of Tam O’Shanter and Souter Johnnie copy Thom’s stone statues, we conclude they were potted no earlier than 1828, the year in which Thom’s statues debuted. (See how knowing a figure's design source guides in dating it?) Possibly the figures were not modeled directly from Thom’s statues. Perhaps a Scottish pot bank, inspired by Thom’s work, produced the first clay Tam and Johnnie figures. Or perhaps a print--such as the one below-- prompted the potting of the first figures.
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“Tam O’Shanter” remains one of Burns’s best loved works, and figures of Tam and Johnnie abounded into the Victorian era. Such later versions are not a patch on the early figures. They are clunky and crude.

More than one early 19th century figure potter made Tam and Johnnie. The most popular figures are in the "Sherratt" style—as are the smaller pair and the table- based pair in our collectors' photos above. These figures are a lovely size—around 7”. But they are dwarfed by the rare large pair at over 15”.  Whatever the size, figures of Tam and Souter are not that common, although several potters made them. In this case, I would avoid a single figure. Hold out for a pair!
9 Comments
David Thom
10/6/2009 06:06:33 am

A most interesting website. I'm pleased to see that James Thom's figures and their miniature reproductions continue to bring delight, in the 21st. century!

I'm a descendent of the sculptor's family and if Myrna cares to contact me separately I can supply some relevant information on the pottery.

Reply
Rab Duncansond
5/10/2012 05:44:12 pm

I have a wee(4") statue of Souter Johnnie made of fine bone china, there are no makers marks and the only words are inscribed on the side of the statuette Souter Johnnie.It is a very fine piece.It belonged to my grannie who lived in Galashiel.

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Grahame Pigney
12/14/2012 10:17:34 pm

I also have an unglazed figurine of Souter Johnny which belonged to my grand-mother, a Ross who came from Edinburgh. Unfortunately he has suffered a little over the years and although complete he shows some signs of repair. There is also unglazed statuette of Robbie Burns Ayr statue again showing the years. I suspect my grandmother must have indulged us kids in allowing us to handle them.

Reply
Michelle
9/13/2016 02:39:34 am

I have a pair of the large Staffordshire 15.5 inch Tam O Shanter and Souter Jonnie. I can't find any reference to the value as I wish to sell them. Do you know what the worth might be?.

Reply
Myrna
9/13/2016 07:41:27 pm

I don't do appraisals, but there is currently a pair on eBay that may give you some guidance. A similar pair sold at Bonhams Knightsbridge circa 2005 when the market was quite strong.
Myrna

Reply
Mrs M
8/31/2017 09:39:00 am

I have a wall plaque says 1906 copyright on the back any ideas if worth anything

Reply
Myrna Schkolne
8/31/2017 10:19:23 am

Sorry, but this site is about figures made before 1840.

Reply
Anne
10/29/2017 02:07:30 pm

I have a tam o shamter Souter Johnny ornament that must be at least 150 years old how can I get it valued .

Reply
Myrna Schkolne
10/29/2017 02:09:14 pm

I don't know of an appraiser, but if you watch eBay you will find similar figures, which will give you an idea of value.

Reply



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