Description
A rare pair of Lloyd of Shelton (Staffordshire) porcelaneous figures of the Lion and the Lamb. These figures are amongst the best ever produced in the Staffordshire area. The works of John and Rebecca Lloyd are recognized for their quality and workmanship.The shredded technique was perfected at the Lloyds works and is often referred to as “The Judges Wig” on these figures.
The story behind these figures related to Princess Victoria who went to see Van Amburg the American Lion Tamer from Kentucky at the Drury Lane theater in London. The high-light of the American’s act was to have the Lion lie with the Lamb.(“The young Lion shall Lie down with the Lamb….Isaiah xic v6” denoting the Biblical significance which so appealed and resonated at the time). The young Victoria was so enthralled she visited the theater twice to witness the feat of Van Amburg.
The Duke of Wellington was also moved to have a picture commissioned of Van Amburg in gladiators clothes such was the impact of his act.
The pair of figures have script decoration at their bases stating