Staffordshire 'Death of the Lion Queen' figure

Victorian, circa 1860. 14.2ins high, 9.1ins wide, 3.1ins depth. Staffordshire figure with a folklore theme which features Ellen Blight with a lion and leopard, stood on an oval base.
The piece is titled, 'Death of the Lion Queen' .



Multi-coloured with underglaze blue version. Dull gilt titles and embellishment.
Flatback, decorated mainly to the front.











Vent hole to the underside.



This piece represents Ellen Blight, the lion trainer. In 1850, whilst performing in Chatham with a lion and tiger, the latter seized her by the throat and killed her
before she could be rescued. The affair led to the prohibition of such performances by women but the leading menageries continued to have 'lion kings'.
Book reference,'Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835-1875' Book 1, by A.& N. Harding, page 32, figure 49.

Condition

CONDITION: Generally good.

A few paint losses to her skirt,



lion's mane



and leopard to reverse.







Some rubbing to gilt.



KILN EFFECTS: flecks of stray coloured glaze to the base, ground and reverse;









staining to the crazing on the arm;





kiln grit caught in the glaze to the base.



RESTORATION: Hat feathers







and leopard's left front paw remodelled.



Retouched black paint loss to leopard.





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