Royal Worcester Figure – “Yankee”, or “Uncle Sam” (836) by James Hadley, c.1881

Royal Worcester porcelain figure entitled “Yankee” (or “Uncle Sam”) the American (model No: 836) by the famous modeller James Hadley. This is one of nine figures from the Countries of the World Series, first produced in 1881/1882.

It portrays a somewhat  portly gentleman wearing waistcoat, top hat and tails, the figure is modelled adjacent to a wood-effect post with brick paving underfoot. Mainly in cream coloured parian, but with gilded highlights and painted skin tones to the face and hands. Worcester factory marks clearly visible on the base.

Condition: No chips or cracks, a few signs of wear to the gilding in places, consistant with age.

Dated:  Black and embossed Worcester factory marks consistant with the date c.1881

Dimensions: Height: 7 inches (17.8 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 represents one of the first to bridge both styles.