Thursfordian Hobbies 

SOME LOVE THEM AND STILL MORE CAN'T STAND THEM, BUT FOR ME STAFFORDSHIRE FIGURES HAVE BECOME SOMETHING OF AN OBSESSION.

Staffordshire figures had there heyday in the 1850's, when for the first time those with little to middling wealth were given a chance to emulate richer householders and decorate their mantelpieces with ornamental rather than just practical items.

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Press moulded, then put out to home workers for painting, before final firing, these were the UK'S first mass produced ornaments. To keep the prices down, many are described as 'flatbacks', designed to sit with their back against the wall, with almost no detail and no need to decorate the side hidden from view.

 

Why are they so enticing? 

• Being hand painted every one is unique and finding ones painted by the most talented artists is part of the fun of collecting.   The detail in the clothing can be outstanding and facial expressions tell a story in their own right.

• They recount a whole social history of the period - a fascination for heroic military and political figures; admiration for actors, singers musicians and bisarly robbers and highwaymen. All ways to escape a tough working life.

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AS THE SITE EDITOR, DON'T LET ME GET AWAY WITH FEATURING JUST MY HOBBIES  - FASCINATING AS THEY ARE!   TO FEATURE YOUR INTERESTS EMAIL HERE.