In the 18th and 19th century, every house had a fireplace, and therefore a mantlepiece, and in the grander houses, several mantlepieces. These would be decorated with all manner of things from clocks, candlesticks, photograph frames and pottery and brass ornaments.

Hundreds of pottery factories were set up in Staffordshire during the Victorian period, many of them producing crude colorful figures, sold to decorate the more humble households. In a dark cottage in winter they must have seems so bright and joyful, their colours brightening all rooms from kitchen to bed chamber.

A staffordshire flatback figure, with the man sporting a feathered hat, modeled over a painted clock face.
 
This figure is in general good order, apart from a fine crack in the gentleman's hat. 
 
Dimesions: 20cm wide by 7cm deep and 36cm high.