The Death of Munrow (Sherratt)

Stock No: HC0044

Height: 13.9 Inches long, 10 Inches high, and 5.5 Inches deep.

Reference: Myrna Schkolne Holding the Past (The William Herbert & Nancy Hunt Collection), Page 67, Fig 44

An exceptional quality c1830 Staffordshire pottery glazed table base figure group titled “The Death of Munrow” attributed to the famous Staffordshire potter Obadiah Sherratt. The imposing and magnificent tiger holds the head of helpless English officer Munro in its jaws, who is dressed in full military uniform. This original version is one of the rarest examples made at the Staffordshire potteries in the early 19th century.  (Monro’s gruesome death is said to have inspired the creation of the automaton and mechanical organ ‘Tippoo’s Tiger’. One of the V&A’s most popular exhibits, ‘Tippoo’s Tiger’ was made for the Indian ruler Tipu Sultan, who so loathed the British and identified with the power and ruthlessness of the tiger that he became known as the ‘Tiger of Mysore’). It is recorded that Hector Munro joined the East India Company’s military service in 1792 as a cadet. Sadly, on his way to Madras, he was mauled by a tiger while on a hunting expedition in Bengal in December 1792. He was rescued by his compatriots but died the following day. The incident was recorded in The Gentleman’s Magazine and described as an “awful, horrid and lamentable accident.”  This example is wonderfully decorated in overglaze enamel colours. A remarkable rendition that captures the essence of the subject perfectly.

Currant Condition: Professional restoration at tail, table feet, Munro’s left leg, and right foot.

Provenance: From a prestigious private collection in the USA.