What are Staffordshire mantelpiece figures?

Staffordshire mantelpiece figures are nineteenth-century ceramic ornaments shaped as animals, people, and historical scenes. Potters in the Midlands produced them in large quantities for domestic decoration. They range from utilitarian pairs of spaniels to elaborate portrait groups depicting contemporary royalty and theatrical characters.

How were they used in homes?

These figures were displayed prominently on fireplace mantels, sideboards, and drawing-room shelves. Pairs of dogs or lions were traditionally placed facing inward toward each other at either end of a mantel. Spill vases served the dual purpose of ornament and container, holding wooden tapers used to transfer flames from hearth fires to candles and pipes.

How do I identify a flatback?

A flatback figure has a highly detailed front while the back is flattened and left relatively plain. This construction allowed the ornament to sit securely against a wall where the rear would not be seen. Potters adopted this technique to save clay and speed up production for pieces intended specifically for mantel placement.

Are all these figures Victorian?

The majority of the pieces date from the nineteenth century, spanning the Victorian period and earlier decades of the eighteen-hundreds. Certain examples extend into the twentieth century while retaining traditional Staffordshire styles. Stylistic shifts in clothing, glazing techniques, and subjects help distinguish mid-century items from later productions.