I have just returned from visiting South Africa, where I spent the first 26 years of my life. Everyone should emigrate and return decades later. There is no greater thrill! To top it all, my husband and I treated ourselves to time in the bush--or, as Americans would say, we went on safari. Our time at a luxury private game lodge more than made up for the honeymoon we couldn't afford in 1972. Before heading back to civilization and our flight home, we took one last early game drive. Were we rewarded! Feet away from our Land Rover, a splendid female leopard slithered through the long grass, leaped into the air, and caught a pheasant mid-flight. Then she obligingly hopped into the tree right alongside us and devoured her prey, before settling back into the grass and licking her paws meticulously clean. The wonders of nature never cease to amaze. Even Staffordshire pottery must take a second row seat.....but I am sure that Staffordshire potters too stared in awe at leopards.
Leopards in England? Yes, by the early 1800s the population of larger towns would almost certainly have seen leopards. The menageries that toured England carried with them all sorts of ferocious felines. These menageries were educational showcases of sorts. The animals did not perform; their mere presence was entertainment enough. People from far and wide flocked to menageries to see if hitherto mythical beasts really existed.
Leopards in England? Yes, by the early 1800s the population of larger towns would almost certainly have seen leopards. The menageries that toured England carried with them all sorts of ferocious felines. These menageries were educational showcases of sorts. The animals did not perform; their mere presence was entertainment enough. People from far and wide flocked to menageries to see if hitherto mythical beasts really existed.
The little figure group above is one of my collection favorites. It comprises two showmen displaying their leopard, most probably within the confines of a menagerie cage. The group is really rare. I know of only one other and it is a firm favorite in a particularly large collection. I bought mine from John Howard a few years ago and I am so pleased to have it. It is very colorful and redolent of the fair ground in days gone by--and, as you know, the social history encapsulated in figures fascinates me most of all.
The leopard below is a lovely Sherratt-style figure.
The leopard below is a lovely Sherratt-style figure.
You can't fault it....but somehow it doesn't push my button. This leopard is a rather ugly looking beast. Real leopards are such seductively sinuous creatures, their feline power and grace evident in every fluid movement. But if you find a leopard like this, grab it. Truly a lovely piece of pot.
This leopard, on the other hand, is a monster. It is a very modern copy of the real thing. Look at the difference! I returned from vacation to a flood of emails, most of them asking about figures that are blatant repros of just this sort. Buyer beware--or ask me before you commit. Happy hunting!
