| Staffordshire pottery dates back to the 1600's
and there are multiple potteries in Staffordshire,
England to whom these are attributed. Staffordshire dogs are quite
distinct and to some, quite plain. However they favor a view of dogs popular
at the time and are often understated. When I first saw a Staffordshire dog,
I thought it was rather unattractive. Then, in 1990, I was fortunate enough
to visit a New York dealer while looking for another type of collectible,
where there was a window display of these dogs in mass. Only when packed
together did I begin to perceive their beauty and their subtle differences.
They are absolutely lovely when grouped together as a decorating element in
a room. A "pack" of Staffordshire dogs of your own can form the theme
for a special room in your house. Over time the detailing changed and Victorian
era potters in Staffordshire England engaged in less detailed modeling of
the figures. When purchasing such a dog, learn first the variations and what
clue this may suggest about purported age. Two similar dogs can look quite
different when side by side. Unfortunately, you may not be able to look at
them side by side. Therefore, caveat emptor! Study your dogs first in guides
such as Collector's
Guide to Staffordshire Pottery
Figures, which shows such a side by side comparison.
Rarity is important in all
collectible fields. There were many Staffordshire
spaniels produced, relatively fewer Staffordshire dalmations. Dalmations
were sometimes produced on blue bases.
Poodles were also produced and
these, to my eye, make the most beautiful grouping, especially against a
color. They are often
quite detailed.
Pugs also were produced, along with
pointers, foxhounds, sheepdogs, staghounds, setters, harriers and
greyhounds.
Most commonly Staffordshire dogs
appear in left/right pairs but sometimes a middle figure was included.
Imitations
do occur. On this site's salt and pepper shaker page, I show imitation
Staffordshire Dog shakers. I purchased them new as imitations and enjoy them
for the image they evoke. But if you find these today in a flea market, be
aware that no authentic salt and pepper shaker Staffordshire dogs are
documented. Again, know your collectible and study first. Research
prices for authentic dogs here.
Whether you
collect all examples of a breed, enjoy adding an English
look to your home, or just are fascinated by the variety of Staffordshire dog figures,
enjoy!
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit
Pottery Museum including virtual tour
See Staffordshire greyhounds
A-Z of Staffordshire Dogs : A
Potted History by Clive Mason Pope
 Miller's Staffordshire Figures of
the 19th & 20th Centuries : A Collector's Guide (Miller's Collector's
Guides) by
Kit
Harding, A.
Harding, N.
Harding
 Christie's Collectibles
Staffordshire
Figures
by Geoffrey Stafford
 Staffordshire Spaniels : A
Collector's Guide to History, Styles, and
Values
(Schiffer Book for
Collectors) by Adele Kenny
 Staffordshire Animals : A
Collector's Guide to History, Styles, and
|
