Pug
Evans
Category
Ceramics
Date
c. 1890
Materials
ceramic
Measurements
400 x 445 mm
Place of origin
Worcester
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Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
NT 285605
Caption
Calke Abbey, nestled in the heart of 18th-century parkland in Derbyshire, is a remarkable survivor from an era of decline. Many country houses were demolished or fell into ruin in the 20th century, as owners struggled to afford the associated running costs and inheritance taxes. In the mid-1950s, an English country house was lost roughly every seven days. Calke was occupied by the Harpur Crewe family for over 400 years. When the property was transferred to the National Trust in 1985, it was a time capsule in which relatively little had changed since the late 19th century. The Trust carried out essential repairs but decided to preserve the peeling paint, dusty interiors and well-worn family collections to reflect this period of country house decline. This cheeky 19th-century Royal Worcester pug with a broken front leg propped up on a matchbox is an example of the state of ‘quiet decay’ in which the property is presented. Modelled by George Evans, the pug stands with its tongue out and ears slightly raised, welcoming visitors to this ‘unstately home’.
Summary
Royal Worcester figure of a male pug dog with hair markings under a beige glaze of almost parian type. Modelled in 1873, produced c.1890. Front legs broken, one leg stood on a match box. By Evans.
Provenance
Transferred to the National Trust by the Treasury in lieu of CTT in 1985 with an endowment provided by the NHMF
Makers and roles
Evans, modeller The Royal Worcester Porcelain Co. Ltd. (1862 to date), manufacturer