Sam Weller

Stock No: 002481

Height: 8 Inches / 20 cm

Reference: Previously Unrecorded

Price: £595.00

This exceptional and previously unrecorded piece represents a quintessential example of early Victorian Staffordshire pottery at its finest. It depicts Sam Weller, a beloved character from Charles Dickens’s celebrated work, “The Pickwick Papers.” This particular figure was inspired by the portrayal of Sam Weller by the notable actor William J. Hammond (1797-1848), who played this role in an 1837 theatrical production of “The Pickwickians.”

The figure stands on a beautifully gilt-lined, stepped square base, enhancing its overall elegance. Sam Weller is captured in a lively pose, with his right hand raised aloft, firmly grasping a polishing brush, while his left hand cradles a boot, with its companion resting on the ground beside him. His attire is quintessentially Victorian, featuring a characterful top hat perched jauntily atop his head, a tucked neckerchief, a closely buttoned jacket, and tailored trousers, which together work to convey the playful charm of his character.

“The Pickwick Papers,” published in twenty monthly installments from 1837 to 1838, quickly rose to become one of Charles Dickens‘s most popular works. The vivid characters from this novel, including Sam Weller, inspired Staffordshire potters to craft numerous figures in clay, celebrating the literary sensation of the time.

This particular figure can be accurately dated to circa 1838, thanks to the inclusion of the source print that served as inspiration for the modellers. While it is worth noting that the figure is in a repaired condition—featuring professional restoration at the neck and some enamel touch-ups to the green—it remains a significant piece. Made in Staffordshire, England, this figure is not only a testament to the artistic craftsmanship of the era but also an important artifact reflecting the cultural impact of Dickens’s work on the art of pottery.