In the holiday spirit? If you celebrate Christmas, you may want to put these under your tree. Fresh into the stock of John Howard....I think we need a blast of angel trumpets to herald these.
This pair of figures portraying the Flight to Egypt (left, note Jesus is a baby) and the Return from Egypt (right, Jesus is an older child) is far from the usual. Firstly, they are bigger than the typical model, which stands at around 8.5" with bocage. Instead this pair measure 10.5" max--and no bocage. The figures are on a much larger scale, and, while not overwhelming, make an impressive statement. Yes, they were DEFINITELY made without bocages. I have never seen these large Flight and Return figures side by side before. Somehow, they more commonly occur as singles, but then they really don't occur that commonly at all!
Another oddity about this pair: As they stand, the Flight is on the left, the Return on the right. Most of the smaller examples are made the other way around. Why does this matter? Well, it doesn't....BUT when the examples are titled and you want them to read correctly, you have to stand the donkeys tail to tail.
Another oddity about this pair: As they stand, the Flight is on the left, the Return on the right. Most of the smaller examples are made the other way around. Why does this matter? Well, it doesn't....BUT when the examples are titled and you want them to read correctly, you have to stand the donkeys tail to tail.
See what I mean? As you read the titles, your eye REALLY wants The Flight on the left and The Return on the right...but then the donkeys stand like this. BTW, the above are a "Sherratt" pair from my archive.
Below the pair stand correctly, donkeys nose to nose....but the titles read counter intuitively. A gorgeous pair, marked "WALTON" from John Howard's archive. Too late, too late--these are sold.
Below the pair stand correctly, donkeys nose to nose....but the titles read counter intuitively. A gorgeous pair, marked "WALTON" from John Howard's archive. Too late, too late--these are sold.
Ah well, let's put this down to the idiosyncracies of pottery.
If Christmas is not your thing, don't despair. You can still give yourself a larger-than-most figure by buying John Howard's cat.
If Christmas is not your thing, don't despair. You can still give yourself a larger-than-most figure by buying John Howard's cat.
Now this kitty is a whopping-but-not-unattractive 14" high. Early Staffordshire cats are uncommon, and usually occur lying on a little pillow. I have recorded three seated cats of about 5" in height. All else is smaller....except for this kitty. Fabulously modeled, is it not? John tells me that a long time ago a reputable source told him of an example of this cat marked Copeland & Garrett...so that attribution seems reasonable. I am firmly in the Dog Camp, or I would be tempted. But if you want a cat, no vet bills, no food need....this is for you.
Andrew Dando has a fun nativity scene on the greeting card on his site.
Andrew Dando has a fun nativity scene on the greeting card on his site.
Is that not terrific and quite inspirational? Thank you, Andrew!
As you browse dealers' stock this week, remember that a pottery figure--be it for you or for someone else--gives a lifetime of pleasure. It is truly a gift that keeps on giving.
As you browse dealers' stock this week, remember that a pottery figure--be it for you or for someone else--gives a lifetime of pleasure. It is truly a gift that keeps on giving.
