In this crumbling real estate market, I have bought a house...but a Staffordshire one, of course. My collecting style has me constantly scrounging around for the unexpected, and persistence pays off. But to begin at the beginning: Right before my book was published, I was thrilled to find a little Staffordshire house with a bocage alongside it in the stock of John Howard. This was a Rare Thing. If you are thinking 'pastille burner, forget it! This little house was simply made to be pretty. At 4" high, it was just the sweetest toy. Totally flat back, and open beneath.
Such little houses are unusual things. So to my joy, last week, when I visited Elinor Penna, I found yet another earthenware vignette comprising the same little house. This time, it was accompanied by some friendly sheep and lovely large flowers. It came home with me, and you can see the two, side by side, below.