A rare Staffordshire Pottery figure group of Politos Menagerie, Attributed to Sherratt circa 1825

Dated: 1825 Staffordshire England

Among the most celebrated of all Staffordshire pottery pearlware figure groups of the early 19th century, Polito’s Menagerie captures the spectacle, excitement and exoticism of the traveling menagerie.

This exceptionally detailed and rare example presents an array of animals: monkeys, birds, a lion, an elephant, and a tiger, gathered above an elaborate banner with lanterns, accompanied by four charming female musicians. Beside the entrance stands an attendant, traditionally thought to represent Mrs. Polito, collecting admission fees from visitors drawn to this remarkable exhibition of “wonderful burds and beasts.”

The banner above the entrance proudly proclaims:

“POLITOS MENAGERIE OF THE WONDERFUL BURDS AND BEASTS FROM MOST PARTS OF THE WORLD.”

The composition is theatrical, exuberant and full of character, offering a fascinating glimpse into the popular entertainments and appetite for the exotic that captivated early 19th-century Britain. This example is a particularly rare early version, distinguished by its characteristic claw feet, and is attributed to the Obadiah Sherratt Pottery, Burslem, Staffordshire. A closely related example is illustrated on the front cover of the celebrated Herbert and Nancy Hunt Collection catalog, Holding the Past, a testament to the enduring importance and appeal of this extraordinary Staffordshire figure group.

 

Dimensions: 12.5 inches high 9 inches long

Current Condition: Restored figures on top of the group, a lantern, the female drummer, the monkey on the hurdy gurdy and tips of musical instrumements. Two of the claw feet have breaks restored.

Literature: Myrna Schkolne Volume 3 Staffordshire Figures 1780-1840 and Front Cover and page 87 Holding the Past The Herbert and Nancy Hunt Collection.

£27500    $37125