A PAIR of valuable antique pottery dwarfs have emerged at a valuation event in aid of The Royal British Legion in Knowle, Solihull.
Measuring 18cm high, the figures were brought in bubble wrap and have been valued at £1,200-£1,500 for the pair.
Hansons Auctioneers director Adrian Rathbone identified them immediately as being made by Derby in the 1780s.
They represent ‘Mansion House Dwarfs’ – derived from the real-life dwarfs that were once employed to stand outside the Mansion House in the City of London.
The world famous Derby porcelain factory is well-known for manufacturing these figures from the second half of the 18th century to the 1970’s.
In general terms the representation of the dwarf in porcelain is thought to have followed the work of 17th Century French engraver Jaques Callot, who produced engravings of Florentine dwarf entertainers.
The Solihull dwarfs will appear in Hansons spring fine art sale on Friday (April 1).
For further details, contact email [email protected] or call 01283 733988.
