Flatbacks

Staffordshire flatbacks

A few years ago, one of the most out of fashion antiques were the once popular Staffordshire flatbacks. First produced in the mid 18th century they used to be a staple of the antiques trade, the rarer and early articles would fetch high prices and the more run of the mill would still sell very well indeed, but like everything they had their day and along with brown furniture and cut glass, they fell from grace and prices plummeted.

However, James has always kept a stock of them in the shop, he likes them, despite them rarely getting much interest. In the last couple of years however, we noticed they were selling, and not to who they used to sell to. They have found a new audience, a younger generation has discovered them and love them.

A few weeks ago we were lucky enough to find a wonderful trove of them and our depleted stock has been restored and they have already been getting a fair bit of interest.

Flatbacks offer a fascinating vignette into 19th century life, a vibrant and whimsical form of English folk art. Unlike the contemporaneous porcelain figures which were executed with staggering detail in both form and decoration, flatbacks were made, “of the people, for the people.” Made out of much cheaper earthenware and simple block colouring they were affordable to a much wider section of society. They also frequently depicted famous figures or events of the day, whether it was the jolly jack tar or dr syntax, the factories would churn them out and they were bought in the millions, id argue they were the first mass market collectible.

Its not dissimilar to how memes spread these days though I think Staffordshire flatbacks will outlast most memes and internet crazes and they have much more artistic merit.

Having been out of favor for many many years, the price for all but the most popular was largely irrelevant because they wouldn’t sell regardless. This meant that when the younger generation came along they could find them at bargain prices and its something almost anyone can afford now.

I sometimes wonder what other articles are waiting for rediscovery by the next generation and what highly sought after objects are going to fall from grace? My prediction, for what its worth, is that Moorcroft and Clarice cliff will be relegated to the bargain bin and Georgian furniture will rise again.

My advice is, buy what you like and can afford and don’t be led by the fashions of the time as these change with remarkable fluidity. Happy hunting!