In the 18th and 19th century every house had a fireplace, and therefore a mantlepiece, and in the grander houses, several mantlepieces. These, along with shelves and cabinets, 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 crued colourful figures, sold to decorate the more humble households. In a dark cottage in winter they must have seemed so bright and joyful, their colours brightening all rooms from kitchen to bed chamber.
 
Here we have a large, single figure of a Staffordshire dog with green lustre decoration.
 
In good condition, no damage to paintwork
 
Dimensions: 23cm high x 16cm wide