This 4 feet tall 19th century pair of figures were purchased at auction and are in private collection in London.They represent the sort of dummy board used as adverts for the 19th century theatre and were made to be seen outside or in the foyer. They may even have been designed for use outside a high class shop. Although they are dressed in a fashion of an earlier age, we can tell that they are not figures made in the very early 18th century; the faces and costumes are not quite correct for the age. They are well painted, probably by a London sign painter in the middle of the 1800’s, and are very decorative dummy boards Both would be excellent standing outside a one twelfth florists, drapers or sweet shop or in the street outside a well to do town house. Henry Cat Based on a work by Maggy Howard from the 1980’s, this is a modern figure of a cat, the original of which is painted in acrylics. Historically, cats and dogs were by far the most commonly painted dummy boards and most survivors date from the 19th century. Sadly because they were usually quite small they often acted as chimney boards inserted into the grate when the fire was not lit, and as a result were often damaged and were discarded. Many historical dummy board figures of cats and dogs are not as realistically painted as this fine example of this specialist artist’s work.This figure is now sold. If you would like to purchase an item, or if you have a question, please contact Susanne. Gentleman size 4.25 x 1.50 inches (110x40mm) Lady size 4 x 1.50 inches (105x40mm) £80.00 a PAIR Henry Cat size 1.75 x.75 inches (38x20) In private collection.Oil on basswood. Carriage free |
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The London Theatre Pair and Henry Cat