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19th Century Derby Porcelain Figure Of John Falstaff The Merry Wives Of Windsor

About the Item

A very elegant 19th century Derby porcelain figure of the actor James Quinn (1693-1766) in the character of John Falstaff in The Merry Wives Of Windsor. Modelled by Farnsworth, based on a mezzotint by James McArdle, with sword and shield, on scroll base. Circa 1880 English Biography: The actual date of the start of porcelain production in Derby is still unclear, though the research of the late John Twitchett, former curator of the Royal Crown Derby Museum, suggests that this could have been as early as 1748. It was during that year that Andrew Planché, the son of a Huguenot immigrant moved to Derby and it is he who is credited with starting porcelain manufacture in the town. Planché came to Derby in 1748 having been living in Soho. The very early porcelain production would appear to be mostly figures and animals, both white and enamelled. These are most easily recognised by the “dry edge” to the bases. This is the term that has been given to the effect of the process where the figures were inverted, then dipped into the glaze leaving a very narrow unglazed band at the base. The depth of this band can vary very slightly. Two examples are illustrated here, both come from the Royal Crown Derby Museum. The top picture is of a small charging bull, c1750-55 whilst the lower white glazed figure is "Winter" from the European set of seasons c1750-55. During the Planché period the factory remained quite small, but it was the arrival of William Duesbury in 1756 which was to transform the factory into a major player in the British and European ceramics industry. ​ Originally from Staffordshire, William Duesbury had been a decorator of china in London from 1751-1753, where he also had his own workshop for repairs of both woodwork and metalwork. Twitchett records that by 1754 he had returned to Longton in Staffordshire, possibly to work for the firm of Littler & Co who were the manufacturers of Longton Hall porcelain. In 1756 a partnership agreement was reached between Planché, Duesbury and a third gentleman, John Heath, a banker who was also concerned in the ownership of the Cockpit Hill pottery factory, also in Derby. Soon after this time, Planche was to leave Derby and, with Heath having his own business interests, Duesbury was left to develop the porcelain factory which he did with great “tenacity and energy” as recorded by Twitchett. The factory grew in both size and scale with the output now including useful as well as decorative and ornamental wears. Throughout the late 1750’s and 1760’s, Derby produced porcelain items of wonderful quality and variety though always with an eye for the higher end of the market.
  • Creator:
    Derby Porcelain (Maker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 16.15 in (41 cm)Width: 7.88 in (20 cm)Depth: 8.67 in (22 cm)
  • Style:
    Victorian (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Porcelain,Hand-Painted
  • Place of Origin:
    England
  • Period:
    19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1880
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Dublin, IE
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5735245196702

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