Martha Gunn Ralph Wood type Toby Jug figure late 18th century Staffordshire England

Ref: 4737 Categories: , ,

£3500

Dated: 1785 Staffordshire England

An early Staffordshire 'Martha Gunn' Toby jug, circa 1790. With underglaze oxide colouring, modelled wearing a brown hat over a mob cap , her dress in blue and ochre spots, holding a jug and beaker, on a soft green stepped base. This fine Toby jug closely follows the original Ralph Wood example and may have been made by a member of the Wood family. Martha Gunn figures are the rarest form of female Toby's produced. Note; Martha Gunn (1726-1815) was the most famous of the 'dippers' who assisted bathers on Brighton Beach. The Prince of Wales made his first visit to Brighton in 1783 and his reported friendship with Martha Gunn led to her fame and notoriety.

Dimensions: 11.5 inches high

Current Condition: Jug held in hand and associated fingers.

£3500    $4725

Description

An early Staffordshire ‘Martha Gunn’ Toby jug, circa 1790.
With underglaze oxide colouring, modelled wearing a brown hat over a mob cap , her dress in blue and ochre spots, holding a jug and beaker, on a soft green stepped base.
This fine Toby jug closely follows the original Ralph Wood example and may have been made by a member of the Wood family.
Martha Gunn figures are the rarest form of female Toby’s produced.

Note;
Martha Gunn (1726-1815) was the most famous of the ‘dippers’ who assisted bathers on Brighton Beach. The Prince of Wales made his first visit to Brighton in 1783 and his reported friendship with Martha Gunn led to her fame and notoriety.

Additional information

Dimensions 11.5 in