Description
Antique Staffordshire pottery pearlware figure of a bull baiting group. Exceptionally finely modelled and colored example from the circa 1815 period. There are some restorations typically at the horn and Showmans stick. It is quite rare to find this figure in such good condition and complete with the original dog.
EXHIBITION….IF THSE POTS COULD TALK.
This wonderful piece of English pottery needs to be viewed taking into account the context of the time in which it was made circa 1800.
We now see any form of baiting of animals as barbaric but this was not the case in earlier days when such events were classed as “sporting” entertainment. Bull baiting has been recorded to existed even in the 13th century in England. In the early 19th century there was a growing unease relating to the practise of baiting and 1835 was the year when this dreadful ” pastime” was banned. Bull baiting was especially strong in the Staffordshire area and this pottery example was probably made for the home local market where there was such interest.
Pit Bull Staffordshire terriers are descendants of the original English bull-baiting dog—a dog that was bred to bite and hold bulls, bears and other large animals around the face and head. Sad to say people still fight their dogs but against each other. This illegal practise reveals the darker side of humanity which is still present just under the surface of unenlightened folk.
This bull baiting group is a great example of the Staffordshire potters art which should not be dismissed because of its subject matter, it sends echoes from a past time and gives a reminder of our own social heritage.