Recently, a new treasure arrived in Dallas when a large Wombwell's menagerie found its way into one of the city's several collections. I was fortunate in that I could handle and photograph it. In fact, of the 36 Staffordshire pottery menageries on record, I have been privileged to examine and/or photograph at least 25, and in the process I have learned a lot. Admittedly, there is even more that I don't know, and numerous unanswered questions tease my mind. Precisely when were these menageries made, who made them, how many were made, and why did their design evolve in the way that it did? I wish I had all the answers.
Of this I am certain: those magnificent menageries that survive are all stunningly beautiful, and they embody a wealth of information about the public's awakening interest in the natural kingdom. I have put together a video on Polito's and Wombwell's traveling menageries. You can access it on YouTube or by clicking this link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y0FSe0F-jY
Links to my other YouTube videos on early Staffordshire pottery figures can be accessed on the VIDEOS tab at the top of this page. Remember, I welcome all criticism.
Of this I am certain: those magnificent menageries that survive are all stunningly beautiful, and they embody a wealth of information about the public's awakening interest in the natural kingdom. I have put together a video on Polito's and Wombwell's traveling menageries. You can access it on YouTube or by clicking this link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y0FSe0F-jY
Links to my other YouTube videos on early Staffordshire pottery figures can be accessed on the VIDEOS tab at the top of this page. Remember, I welcome all criticism.
