Derby Mansion House Dwarf, floral coat, c. 1800
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Rare early Derby figure of a Mansion House Dwarf, the comical figure modeled standing with one hand on his ample belly, his waistcoat in pale yellow with harlequin hatches to the front, with scattered flower sprays, a belt of blue tassels at his waist, his large hat plain with a red sash holding feathers. Patch marks, inscribed No.227, c.1800
| Condition | restored feathers, minor touchups |
|---|---|
| Size | 18.5cm high |
| References | ref.Bradshaw -Derby figures- No.227, p312 for the type. The title Mansion House Dwarf is a later association, relating to a father/son pair of dwarfs in Tudor times who would use their large hats for advertising space as they stood outside Mansion House. However, Bradshaw notes that the earlier references refer to Callots, meaning the illustrator of the 17th century, and these in turn inspired Meissen figures, which inspired Chelsea and Derby. The plain hatted examples appear to be earlier, with the Mansion House legend springing up in the early 19th century, and later examples having multiple adverts painted onto their hats. |
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