Royal Worcester Majolica Girl and Boy Figurines, C. 1876. Rare.

A pair of rare and antique Royal Worcester majolica figurines, dating to the second half of the 19th century. These figurines depict a boy and a girl dressed in 18th-century attire, each holding baskets and resting against tree stumps. The figurines are professionally hand-painted in a variety of colors, primarily pink, yellow, and blue, and are covered with a layer of glaze. The base features the impressed factory marks, including the famous crown.

Royal Worcester was active in the majolica manufacturing industry from 1860 until 1890. During this period, the production of majolica items became both boldly decorative and functional, gaining immense popularity among the rapidly emerging merchant classes of Victorian England. Some established households, including those of royalty, also appreciated these pieces. Within a few years, many pottery firms began producing lead-glazed majolica, sparking intense competition. However, by the 1880s, interest in majolica in England was waning. By 1900, majolica production in England had declined significantly, with many artisans emigrating to the US, where interest in majolica remained strong.

Porcelain production at Worcester began in 1751. After several changes in ownership, Richard William Binns and W.H. Kerr took control in 1852. Binns later served as the firm's Art Director under subsequent owners until his retirement in 1897. Under Binns’ leadership, the number of employees grew from 80 to 800. In the 1850s, James Hadley joined the firm as an apprentice in the modeling department, eventually becoming the principal modeler by 1870. He inscribed his name on the base of his master models. The firm continues to operate today, with a primary focus on porcelain and Parian wares. Although Royal Worcester did produce some majolica, it was not heavily advertised, and no examples of majolica are listed in the Museum of Royal Worcester. Much of Worcester's majolica is ornamental or figural, though some functional wares, such as pitchers and tea sets, are known.

The Royal Worcester mark consists of an impressed rosette of four ‘W’s surrounding a ‘C’ and surmounted by a crown. Due to the complexity of the mark, it is often incompletely formed.

Dimensions:

Girl: Height 17.5 cm, Width 11 cm, Depth 9.5 cm, Weight 344 grams.

Boy: Height 17.5 cm, Width 11 cm, Depth 9.5 cm, Weight 326 grams.

Condition:

Girl: Restoration of the head (glued on). A small piece of enamel is chipped off on the back, and another small piece of enamel is chipped off on the right hand, under the basket handle. Otherwise in good antique condition.

Boy: The handle of the basket is missing, with a chip on the inside of the right side of the camisole. Otherwise in good antique condition.

Please carefully review the accompanying photographs, as they form an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Please note that shipping costs include labor, packaging, and postage.