James Hadley's "Countries of the World" series set out to do in porcelain what world's fairs and exhibition catalogues were doing at the time: present a cast of national figures for a Victorian drawing room audience curious about the wider world without leaving the house. This figure represents Ireland, dated 1894 and modelled in the blush ivory porcelain Hadley favoured for the series, a warmer, softer finish than standard white glaze that suited figures built for character rather than formality.
The costume detail is what makes the piece: a worn vest, knee breeches tucked into knit socks, sturdy brogues, and a pipe tucked into the hatband, the kind of specific, lived-in detailing that made Hadley the standout modeller of his generation at Royal Worcester. The figure carries a firm date of 1894, placing it well within his most prolific period there, a few years before he left to set up his own studio.
Condition notes
Excellent antique condition, minor loss to gilt and restoration to base.
