John Liston
This is an early Staffordshire figure of the actor John Liston, portraying the role of Van Dunder in the play ‘Twould Puzzle a Conjurer’ or ‘The Two Peters’, by John Poole. The play debuted at the Haymarket Theatre in London in 1824. This figure stands about 6 3/4” tall and dates to approximately 1825. It may be found in Myrna Schkolne’s Staffordshire Figures, Volume 2, page 72.
John Poole (1786–1872), an English playwright, was one of the earliest and best known 19th century playwrights of the comic drama, the farce. The 1824 playbill of ‘Twould puzzle a conjurer’ says:
‘This drama is founded upon the well-known historical fact of Peter the Great, (the Czar of Russia,) having been a workman in the Dockyards of Saardam, where he learnt thoroughly the art and mystery of a ship builder, with the view of founding thereafter a Russian Navy worthy of the greatness of his vast Empire – at his command Petersburg rose, as it were, from the marshes of the Neva, into a capital to vie with Moscow, and finally to overshadow its greatness. Poole has scarcely done justice to the Czar, who although the hero of his Drama, is a very second-rate consideration. The plot is simple and the story well told, and when acted with care never fails to ensure the approbation of the audience.’
Two images from the time inspired by John Poole’s play:
More Figures of the month
Robert Raikes
This is a very rare Staffordshire bust of Robert Raikes, an Anglican layman and English philanthropist. The figure is titled in gilt script as “Founder of the Sunday School”, but it would be more accurate to say he was a pioneer, or promoter, of Sunday Schools.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
This is a rare Staffordshire figure of a woman seated on a couch, with her dog beside her. It is generally believed to represent Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and her dog Flush. This figure stands about 5 ¼” tall and dates to approximately 1846-1850.
A pair of camels
This is an interesting pair of Staffordshire camels, each about 6 1/4” tall, and dating to approximately 1860.
Prophet Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath
This is a fine pair of early Staffordshire figures of Elijah, the Old Testament prophet, and the Widow of Zarephath. This pair of figures is attributed to Obadiah Sherratt, the table bases, bocage, and flowers being typical of Sherratt.
Boys playing cricket
This is a pair of Staffordshire figures of unidentified boys playing cricket, standing 6 ½” and 6 ¾” tall, dating to around 1850.
Tom King and Dick Turpin
This is a fine pair of Staffordshire figures of Tom King and Dick Turpin, probably originating from a theatrical production. Note the four separately moulded legs on each horse.
