Dusty Bob

 

Stock No: 001585

 

Height:  3.75 Inches / 9.5 cm

 

Reference only: Myrna Schkolne Staffordshire Figures 1780-1840 Volume 2, Page 76 (Possibly Unrecorded)

 

Price: £375.00

 

A previously unrecorded diminutive figure of Dusty Bob, (after the Derby figure, see last illustration) standing on a gilt lined round base, his left arm resting on his hip, his right arm and leg raised as if dancing, wearing a sou’wester, shirt with neck tie, jacket, and breeches. This figure to my knowledge is the only known Staffordshire example to be recorded, it is made of porcelaneous material rather than earthenware, c1830-40, possibly by the Lloyd’s of Shelton, it is in mint perfect original condition with no damage, repairs, or restoration, a very rare figure indeed.

Pierce Egan‘s ‘Life in London‘ includes characters named African Sal and Bob. There is an engraving in the book, illustrated by George and Robert Cruikshank , it shows the couple dancing. The stage adaptation transformed the two characters into African Sal and Dusty Bob when it first came to the stage in 1821, also named ‘Tom and Jerry,’ the dance that they performed became the highlight of the show, this was undoubtedly the inspiration for the Staffordshire potters creations. I have included an illustration of the Derby versions as a reference only.