Description
An imposing late 18th century hollow modelled bear baiting group. Decorated in typical Pratt colors this is an extremely rare English figure group and an interesting item of English folk art from the circa 1790 period. This piece is one of the largest Prattware figures produced in England in the c1790/1835 period.
EXHIBITION….IF THESE POTS COULD TALK.
This figure to me is like Beauty and the Beast.
On first viewing the subject matter is quite gross,a mussled bear baited and tormented by a bull terrier that most verocious and strong canine. A closer look will, however, reveal the stunning quality of the modeller and the fact that this figure is probably one of the largest ever produced in Prattware.
Bear baiting was a very popular rural pastime in the days of a rather unenlightened view to animals coupled with the need for “entertainment”. We should remember the context of the period and this figure was produced in the late 18th century. The population found entertainment in many ways that we now judge to be disgusting. Some of our entertainment today especially the TV reality game and talent shows can sometimes also be quite cruel to the participants. This aspect perhaps exposes a darker side of our humanity and I wonder if these shows are just a more sophisticated form of baiting.
One can only wonder if the Staffordshire potters of old would produce a figure of the X Factor winner!