How do I clean my figurine?

Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry brush to prevent the accumulation of dirt in crevices. Avoid using water or chemical cleaners, as moisture can damage old glazes and delicate overglaze enamel painting.

Were these figures meant for display?

Most of these ceramic pieces were created specifically for interior decoration on mantelpieces, sideboards and display cabinets. Some specialised forms, such as spill vases or incense holders, also served practical everyday functions in the home.

How do I tell Victorian from older pieces?

Victorian Staffordshire figures often display bright underglaze colours on flatbacked earthenware bodies intended for cottage mantelpieces. Earlier Georgian or eighteenth-century examples frequently utilise refined pearlware or tin-glazed faience bodies with distinct palette characteristics.

Why do some figures have flat backs?

Potters in nineteenth-century Staffordshire left the backs unglazed and flat because the figures stood against cottage walls. This method saved time and materials during production while ensuring the decorated front remained the primary focus.