Fine 19th Cent Staffordshire Figure of Joseph Guy

Victorian Staffordshire figurine of the cricketer Joseph Guy. He was an English professional cricketer who played first class cricket from 1837-1854, mainly associated with Nottingham and Hampshire. The figure is in good condition with no breaks, chips or cracks.

People often died young in Victorian times and these simple figures known as Fairings (because they could be won at fair grounds) easily cheer up a corner or shelf in a humble cottage. Figures were often made of the celebrities of the time. This could include the king and queen, sports people and even infamous people featured in the news such as criminals or someone who was recently hung! Stafforshire figures have a wonderful naive, folk art feel, and were often painted in factories by children and cheap labour.