Little Nell - Bretby Art Pottery

Name: Little Nell
 
Type: Figurine
 
Year: Circa 1910–1930
 
Set: No
 
Mark: Bretby Art Pottery - Bretby Art Pottery
 
History: This figurine represents "Little Nell", a character from Charles Dickens' novel The Old Curiosity Shop. The style and finish strongly identify it as a product of Bretby Art Pottery, a notable Staffordshire pottery founded in 1883 by Henry Tooth and William Ault. The impressed base mark, along with the model number "3084," confirms its attribution to this maker.
 
 
The piece is typical of Bretby’s early 20th-century figural output—made in moulded earthenware with a matte ochre and green wash, giving it a quasi-rustic, almost Majolica-like finish. The interior black base finish is consistent with their hollow cast methods.
 
 
Condition-wise, there is visible wear to the paint, especially on the face and elbow area, as well as flaking and rub-through to high points, but no structural cracks or chips are evident in the photos. These are common in Bretby wares due to their surface finishes and materials used.
 
 
The subject matter—Dickensian characters—was popular during the Edwardian era and interwar period, making this an appealing collectible for both literary enthusiasts and Art Pottery collectors.
 
Flaws: Some fading and wear on paint