Description
A rare pair of Lloyd of Shelton (Staffordshire) porcelaneous figures of the Lion and the Lamb. These figures are amongst the best produced in the Staffordshire area. The works of John and Rebecca Lloyd are recognized for their quality and artistry. The shredded technique was perfected at the Lloyds works and is often referred to as “The Judges Wig” on these figures.
The story behind the pair related to Princess Victoria went to see Van Amburg, the American Lion Tamer from Kentucky, at the Drury Lane theatre in London. The highlight of the American’s act was to have the Lion lie with the Lamb ( “The young Lion shall Lie down with the Lamb….Isaiah, Old Testament”). The young then princess Victoria was so enthralled she visited the theatre twice to witness the feat of Van Amburg.
The Duke of Wellington was also moved to have a picture commissioned himself in gladiator’s clothes; such was the impact of Van Amburg’s act.