DETAILS
A large antique Staffordshire figure group of Robert Burns (1759-96) and Mary Campbell (1763-86), who is also known as his Highland Mary. The figure of Robert Burns stands with with his arm around Mary, with a tree trunk form spill vase behind them. Note the vivid polychrome glazes.
A spill vase was designed to sit on a mantelpiece and hold rolled paper tapers or thin wood splints which were used to transfer fire to light the fireplace or other candles. Matches at the time were very expensive so they were used sparingly.
A spill vase was designed to sit on a mantelpiece and hold rolled paper tapers or thin wood splints which were used to transfer fire to light the fireplace or other candles. Matches at the time were very expensive so they were used sparingly.
LITERATURE
P. D. Gordon Pugh, Staffordshire Portrait Figures, page H498
STYLE
Victorian
PLACE OF ORIGIN
England | United Kingdom
PATTERN/MODEL
Burns and his Mary
MARKS
No maker's mark. Title plaque (base): BURNS / AND HIS / MARY.
PERIOD
Queen Victoria (1837-1901) | Mid 19th century
DATE
Circa 1850-60
DIMENSIONS
Width 7.75 Depth 4.25 Height 12.25 inches
CONDITION
Note: restored. Mary's head is an old replacement taken from another Staffordshire figure titled Lady Franklin by the Alpha Factory (Staffordshire, England, circa 1845–52).
