Figure of the Day: The Shepherds, 1770-1784

Figure group
Derby, England
William Duesbury & Co.
1770-1784
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Made in Derby, England, this figure group of soft-paste, enameled and gilded porcelain depicts a female figure seated on a bank.  She is joined by a male figure who is supported by the stem of a tree. A lamb sits upon the woman’s lap.  In a whimsical touch, beneath the group, at the base is a dog.

Such pastoral groups were quite popular in the Eighteenth Century.  These, along with scenes of Turks, made up grand suites of porcelain which were used for various decorative purposes as well as being presented at lavish dinner parties with the dessert course.

Dating between 1770-1784, this is the work of William Duesbury & Co.

Figure of the Day: The Ale Bench, 1835

The Ale Bench
Staffordshire, 1835
The Victoria & Albert Museum

 

Okay, back to business.  Here, we see a figural group of molded, lead-glazed earthenware painted with enamels.  Made in Staffordshire, England around 1835, this little group might be a fairing—a prize given away at a fair.

Painted with enamels, the comic group depicts a quarrelling man and woman drunk and brawling, with a table overturned. Entitled, “The Ale Bench,” it is mounted on a plinth resembling a table.  Such comical pieces would have been novelties used to adorn a gentleman’s desk or bookshelves.


This piece is paired with another figure group.  The mate is entitled "Tea Total" and depicts another couple--this time with a child--in a happy, clean home.  Obviously, it's a commentary on drinking alcohol which remains accurate to this day, I think.  

Sculpture of the Day: A Figural Group with Birds and Strawberry Leaves, 1755

Figural Group
1755
Unknown French Maker
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Finding an Eighteenth Century French figural group such as this work of glazed porcelain and gilt metal in its original condition is quite rare. Most of them seem to have been made into lamps. And, most of those lamps have been surmounted by ugly shades for the last forty years or more. I blame Joan Crawford.

This delicate sculptural group features a pair of birds—facing each other--upon a tree stump next to a peculiarly small dog. The group is mounted in gilt metal and fitted with white hard-paste porcelain flowers. As was the fashion of the time, the stump is encircled with leaves and flowers applied in relief. The metal mounting consists of supporting structure of curved and pointed stems to which are attached flat strawberry leaves of gilt metal, five roses and a tulip which serves as a candle holder.

Decorating Tip: Grouping Objects

Bertie approves of this grouping of items.

Whether you’re going for a minimalist or a museum look, one great way to draw attention to special objects in a room is to group them together on a table, mantle, shelf or other surface. Usually groups of three work well. However, you need to keep a few things in mind. First, vary the height of the objects so your display doesn’t look like a forest. Secondly, I like to combine different sheens and textures. For example, I like to have something sparkly, something with a shine and something matte together. The picture on the left shows a grouping of a sculpture, a silver tray, a paperweight and an antique drawing.  You can see how the textures work together and also set each other off.  Third, use color to your advantage. Grouping things of like colors always looks good. However, feel free to play colors against one another with complimentary colors and color combinations that are eye-catching. Finally, just make sure you are incorporating items that are meaningful to you. Filling your home with items that make you feel at-ease and content will give you the added comfort you need to have a successful day.