What periods do these religious ornaments cover?

The selection spans from pre-sixteenth century stone carvings up to twentieth-century wooden sculptures and silver apostle figures. Nineteenth-century pieces, particularly Victorian Staffordshire pottery, form a substantial part of the available range. Buyers will also encounter eighteenth-century ecclesiastical items and Edwardian silver work alongside Asian art objects.

How were Staffordshire figures displayed?

Staffordshire pottery figures were typically produced as mantelpiece ornaments for middle-class Victorian homes. They served both a decorative function and a moral or religious purpose within domestic interiors. Portrait figures and biblical scenes were arranged visibly in living spaces to reflect the owner's beliefs or interests.

Are these items made of porcelain or earthenware?

The materials vary considerably depending on the origin and period of the specific piece. Many English figures utilise earthenware with lead glaze or standard glaze finishes, whilst others are formed from fine porcelain or parianware. Non-ceramic items include bronze, patinated bronze, carved wood, stone and silver.

How do I identify a Grand Tour bronze?

Grand Tour bronzes typically date from the nineteenth century and depict classical or religious subjects encountered by travellers in Europe, such as figures of saints. They feature characteristic patinated bronze surfaces and sculptural qualities associated with Italian workshops. These pieces were collected as souvenirs of cultural education and travel.