Aurea Carter has added some wonderful Ralph Wood figures to stock. Remember that these are among the earlier figures of the period I cover and were made some time between 1782 and 1801. Aurea is offering this clown, and I was particularly exited to notice that it was impressed with the number 6.
Stock of Aurea Carter
Frank Falkner records seeing this figure impressed 5, but this is the first numbered example I have been able to record. It has been added to our Rogues Gallery of Ralph Wood figures, found here.
And this figure is not just about its number. Isn't it beautiful? Those early enamels are quite something. Note the same figure occurs titled "Sloth." I have recorded it and an unnumbered "Clown" as A6 on my Ralph Wood figures page.
And this figure is not just about its number. Isn't it beautiful? Those early enamels are quite something. Note the same figure occurs titled "Sloth." I have recorded it and an unnumbered "Clown" as A6 on my Ralph Wood figures page.
Courtesy John Howard
Too late, too late. This pair of "Gardener" and "& Mate" flew off John Howard's site. She was impressed 8. He was impressed 9. I have recorded her in the Potteries Museum....but impressed 9. Now I have an example impressed 8. How complicated! My brain whirls trying to keep things straight. As for "Gardener", I have not recorded a numbered model before, so one more for the list.
Stock of Aurea Carter
Before you abandon reading this, let's get back to basics: a simply beautiful tall figure impressed 136 and titled "& Partner." Again, this is in Aurea's stock. The only other numbered example I have seen was in the Potteries Museum. Who is the partner of "& Partner"? This I do not know. I have yet to work that out, but, like so many other figures, she stands magnificently alone.
Stock of Aurea Carter
Aurea also has this sweet little figure emblematic of Water. In a particularly pretty palette, she is unmistakably Ralph Wood. Don't you love her expression? It doesn't end here: check out Aurea's other Ralph Wood offerings.
Much as I like the cheerful naivety of later figures, early enamels of the Ralph Wood and Neale/Wilson type leave me awestruck. They are so very pretty. With their creamy delicacy, they appear edible. If you haven't added any to your collection, do so. But beware: they are addicting.
This summer I am going to work on a paper on the Ralph Wood enamel-painted figures. I am shell-shocked at the thought. The complexity! Ralph Wood's Gardener's "& Mate" occurs numbered 8 and 9--or 9 and 8. To top it, 9 occurs on examples of the Lost Sheep too..........and this is just the beginning of the problem. Untying the Gordian knot? If you have any thoughts, please share!
This summer I am going to work on a paper on the Ralph Wood enamel-painted figures. I am shell-shocked at the thought. The complexity! Ralph Wood's Gardener's "& Mate" occurs numbered 8 and 9--or 9 and 8. To top it, 9 occurs on examples of the Lost Sheep too..........and this is just the beginning of the problem. Untying the Gordian knot? If you have any thoughts, please share!
