Description
Antique Staffordshire pottery plaque relief moulded depicting two resting lions. Exceptionally deep moulding and wonderful color glaze makes this an exceptional and rare piece from the famous Ralph Wood workshops in Staffordshire.
EXHIBITION….IF THESE POTS COULD TALK.
This English pottery plaque was made in the final quarter of the 18th century by one of the best potters in England Ralph Wood. The Wood family has made pottery in Staffordshire from 1740 and they were one of the major pioneers in establishing Staffordshire as the main centre for pottery production in the world. Ralph Wood made wonderful figure groups which were always, in mind, understated. The lion plaque is such an example, very fine modelling is enhanced with simple coloured glazes. The Lions probably represent the power of the Great Britain in the late 18th century and although slumbering are still the Kings of the Kingdom.
Pottery production in Staffordshire owed much to a few major potters such as Wedgwood and Whieldon.Quite often the work of Ralph Wood is often eclipsed by Enoch Wood who later became know as the Father of the Potteries.