Andrew Dando's winter exhibition went on line a week or two ago, and, like many of you, I pounced to see what I might "need." Among the offerings, was a little pearlware "Sherratt" cat. I have one, so I don't need another. I recall how long and hard I looked for my little cat, and (as my collection is now totally packed in boxes awaiting a move) I reminisced about how sweet it looked on my shelves, tucked in among bigger figures. Many of you write to me about small figures--in fact, I am often accused of not giving them enough blog space--so I was convinced that Andrew's "Sherratt" cat would quickly find a loving home. Alas, not. And this is what I just don't understand. Please tell me what I am missing here. Do you think it's the price? I am unconvinced. More costly, more damaged, more common, and less desirable figures sell every day....whereas this charming, sweetly-scruffy little cat lingers. You see it below left, alongside my own cat (right).
Courtesy Andrew Dando.
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I have not yet recorded an example of this cat facing in the other direction...but I live in hope. The "Sherratt" pot bank made a range of petite animals, and I buy them whenever I can find them. Below are three small "Sherratt" dog models that I have recorded. Notice the same sprig is on the base of all three dogs and on the base of both cats.
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"Sherratt" didn't only make little cats and dogs. I have recorded tiny sheep and deer from that potbank. The first pair of sheep, below, I bought from one of Andrew's exhibitions. Kinda cuddly, are they not? Notice those sprigs on the base, yet again.
"Sherratt" also made this same sheep pair with bocages. Below is a pair with bocages, and again that sprigging is on the base--poorly impressed, I will admit.
And "Sherratt" also made tiny deer in the same style, as you see below.
For me, a huge part of the pleasure in collecting is the hunt itself. These little pearlware animals are all difficult to find, so it is a thrill when I get a pair, or even one. And, at the risk of repeating myself, they add so much personality to a collection. Of course, "Sherratt" was not the only potter to make little animals. Below is a pair of deer on the same scale made by Ralph Salt and impressed SALT.
and a little stag made by I-know-not-who.
There are other tiny pearlware animal models. In particular, tiny felines and elephants have hefty price tags. In my opinion, all tiny animals are ridiculously under priced because they are both rare and lovely. But above all, they are collecting fun. I believe Staffordshire Figures 1780-1840, Vol. 3 and 4 should be available any day--no doubt they are lingering in crates on the west coast, caught up in the current port blockage situation. Volume 3 has figures of animals, and I hope this will inspire you to add some teeny ones to your collection in 2015.
