This pair of musicians (from John Howard's stock) was made circa 1820. They are after Derby figures of circa 1770. These musicians often occur in pairs, but on rare occasions you may find a trio. The third figure is usually a male playing a flute.
In reality, there are four figures on this musical theme. There are two pairs, as seen below. At first glance, the top pair is like John's pair, above. The bottom pair has a man playing the flute, and a lady again playing the guitar.
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The bottom pair of figures was also made circa 1820, again after Derby originals introduced circa 1770. In other words, Derby made two pairs of musicians, and Staffordshire figures mimic those Derby examples.
I think--just a gut feeling--that the lady in the lower pair (I call her the lady-with-small-sheep) is the least common of the figures, but her partner tends to be more readily available. Because he floats as an "odd", it is nice to add him to the top pair, to make a trio. But for those of you who are over-achievers, go for a quartet.
I will admit that these musicians are as clear as mud at times. Look at the three ladies. The first and second have the same bodies, the same large sheep etc.---but their faces are different. The third lady, on the other hand, is from quite different molds....yet she has the same head as the first lady! Seems that a bit of mixing and matching went on here. In any event, there are apparently two ladies and two gentlemen, any way you look at it. If you have any insights into this, please share.
Less confusing, is this astonishing piece of real estate that came up for auction recently. This is an unrecorded example of the Red Barn, attributable to "Sherratt." The little couple to the side are unique and do not appear within any other setting. This gem measures about 5" across (just a tad wider than my iPhone!) and sold to the trade for about GBP5000. I wish I had it on my shelf and doubt we will ever see another.
I think--just a gut feeling--that the lady in the lower pair (I call her the lady-with-small-sheep) is the least common of the figures, but her partner tends to be more readily available. Because he floats as an "odd", it is nice to add him to the top pair, to make a trio. But for those of you who are over-achievers, go for a quartet.
I will admit that these musicians are as clear as mud at times. Look at the three ladies. The first and second have the same bodies, the same large sheep etc.---but their faces are different. The third lady, on the other hand, is from quite different molds....yet she has the same head as the first lady! Seems that a bit of mixing and matching went on here. In any event, there are apparently two ladies and two gentlemen, any way you look at it. If you have any insights into this, please share.
Less confusing, is this astonishing piece of real estate that came up for auction recently. This is an unrecorded example of the Red Barn, attributable to "Sherratt." The little couple to the side are unique and do not appear within any other setting. This gem measures about 5" across (just a tad wider than my iPhone!) and sold to the trade for about GBP5000. I wish I had it on my shelf and doubt we will ever see another.
