So far I have focussed primarily on portrait groups, but the Staffordshire potters also made plenty of buildings. We have seen from previous blogs there was the odd enemy fort a few domestic castles and the odd royal residence.
Staffordshire Pottery models of Caernarvon Castle and Beaumaris Castle
Of more interest would be Stanfield Hall (incorrectly captioned Potash Farm) the scene of James Rush’s infamous murder of Isaac Jermy. However the most common model building is the pastille burner. Whilst the use of smell or incense holds great symbolism within the church as a means of guiding prayer towards heaven its use in the domestic setting was far more practical.
Staffordshire Pottery: An incorrectly captioned model of Stanfield Hall
In the days before plumbing and daily personal hygiene a smouldering scented tablet discretely hidden within a small but decorative pottery abode did much to mask the smell of unwanted body odour. Whatever your opinion on that unsavoury fact they are certainly more collectable than soap dishes.
Staffordshire Pottery: a group of pearlware pastille burners
