Royal Worcester Figure – “Large Monk” (915) by James Hadley, c.1882

A rare Royal Worcester porcelain figure entitled “The Large Monk” (model 915) by the famous modeller James Hadley. This figure is modelled wearing his cloak, with gilt rope ‘belt’ decorated mainly in cream coloured parian, but with gilded highlights and painted skin tones to the face and hands. Worcester factory marks visible on the base.

Condition: A few signs of wear to the gilding in places, consistant with age. Two minor chips to the base (see photographs). No cracks or signs of repair.

Dated:  Impressed Worcester marks. First year of production 1882

Dimensions: Height: 6.5 inches (16.5 cm)

James Hadley (1837-1903) was an English potter and artist and by 1870 had become the principal modeller at the Worcester Royal Porcelain Company. Until 1895 his work was produced almost exclusively by Royal Worcester, he later set up his own factory. Described by John Sandon as ‘probably the finest English modeller of all time’. Able to work in any form of style required, he is best known for his decorative figures, made in the 1870’s and 1880’s, when taste was shifting towards coloured models from the previous fashion for plain white (Parian Ware). This example may be one of the first to bridge both styles.