Antique Staffordshire pottery bocage pearlware group of the famous “Red Barn” Sherratt type early 19thc.

Dated: 1827 Staffordshire English

A rare Staffordshire pottery figure group in pearlware of the famous Red Barn which commemorates the murder of Maria Marten by William Corder at Polstead Essex England in 1827. The group depicts the idllyic rural setting of the Red Barn with the figure of Corder inviting the unsuspecting pregnant Maria into the barn through a part opened door. The figure is "Sherratt" ,and as most Staffordshire potters of the era never missed the opportunity to tap into the publics interest of such events. A charming and decorative figure with a gruesome story to tell. Re. Myrna Schkolne book People, Passions, Pastimes and Pleasures Staffordshire Figures 1810-35 which devotes chapter 3 to the The Red Barn Murder.

Dimensions: 7.25 inches high, 10.5 inches wide

Current Condition: Restored tree trunks and some leaves, green enamel in places ,Maria and William replaced.

Literature: The Red Barn Murder was a notorious murder committed in Polstead, Suffolk, England, in 1827. A young woman, Maria Marten, was shot dead by her lover, William Corder. The two had arranged to meet at the Red Barn, a local landmark, before eloping to Ipswich. Maria was never heard from again. Corder fled the scene and, although he sent Marten's family letters claiming she was in good health, her body was later discovered buried in the barn after her stepmother spoke of having dreamt about the murder. Corder was tracked down in London, where he had married and started a new life. He was brought back to Suffolk, and after a well-publicised trial, found guilty of murder. He was hanged in Bury St Edmunds in 1828; a huge crowd witnessed Corder's execution. The story provoked numerous articles in the newspapers, and songs and plays. The village where the crime had taken place became a tourist attraction and the barn was stripped by souvenir hunters. The plays and ballads remained popular throughout the next century and continue to be performed today.

£6500    $8775