Small is beautiful



Winand (Win) Hock lets his “smalls” speak for themselves…
Winand (Win) Hock lets his “smalls” speak for themselves…
Although many of the Staffordshire portrait figures were titled, sometimes the most well-known figures of the time were not attributed, leaving collectors two centuries later to wonder who stands on our living room shelves. Dorothea Gillett considers this question as she looks at three female figures…
The Staffordshire potters were nothing but entrepreneurial, always seizing on an idea or event to commemorate and make money. Why then were no figures made to recognise the celebration of Christmas? Alan Sturrock offers some alternatives for the festive season.
In this ode to the humble herbivore, Win Hock reminds us of the sheep’s importance to the history of British economy and social structure.
Every month since 2015 we have chosen a Staffordshire figure to feature – it may be unusual, rare, have an interesting story, or might just be one of our favourites.
When historian Alan Jamieson brought home his very first Staffordshire figure, little did he know that Em. Napoleon would lead him on a new voyage of discovery…
Equestrian figures are very popular with Staffordshire collectors. Kelvin and Dorothea Gillett challenge you to have a go at identifying these figures from their horses!
From long-held traditions to ‘salmon and cucumber’ ties, Michael Duffell offers a glimpse into a London theatrical gentlemen’s club inspired by the life of David Garrick, and its very unique Staffordshire figure collection.
Stephen Duckwork remembers Harry Ryans, the son of a Yorkshire coal miner who never lost his accent despite living in London for over 60 years. His personal collection of around 200 Staffordshire figures was distinguished by its focus on rarity, detail, condition and some distinct thematic strengths.
A brief illustrated history of Staffordshire pottery, followed by pointers for the eager collector.