The Dog Days of 2010 are almost behind us, and with the advent of cooler weather the antiques market usually picks up. Sure enough, new items are starting to trickle out. The fun of collecting is never knowing what will come up next. As I looked around the Internet today, a few things caught my eye.
I like this pair of Neptune and Venus, offered by Paul Vandekar. Neptune and Venus are ordinary subjects, so if you want to own them, own a special pair. Here, I love the naive appearance and yellow enamels are always particulary pretty.
How about this awesome figure of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, offered by Roger de Ville? This is the only Sherratt-style figure on a blue base that I have ever seen. This figure is rare, impressive and gorgeous. Simply a stunner.
Martyn Edgell has added this pearlware castle to his stock. Lovely, isn't it? The flower-strewn base is quite eye-catching.
Nick Frost has this pearlware figure of a farmworker with his scythe. It is on that gray base that I am investigating. Interesting and appealing, at a modest price.
And Andrew Dando has an exceptionally nice example of what is usually quite an ordinary pair of figures--and, believe it or not, these are a true pair! Here the cobbler Jobson and his long-suffering wife Nell are on marbled bases. I find most figures on these bases to be of really fine quality. I really want to know who made them, and perhaps I will find out as I continue working on piecing together the 'links' between our seemingly motley array of early Staffordshire figures.
Talking of piecing together links: next week I hope to add my research on Neale & Co and Wilson figures to the MAKERS tab. Meanwhile, happy shopping as you add to your collections. As you can see, there is something for every pocket. Those of you who will be in London at any point, remember to pop into Grays Antiques Market. Pottery is, at last, well represented there because Simon Westman has moved from Kensington Church Street to this more central location. Stop and say hello to Simon. Perhaps he too can help you add to your collection.
