Object Detail
Description
figure, standing brandishing a pistol in his right hand and the barrel of a blunderbuss in his left. He wears a plumed headdress, white jacket and shirt, tartan waistsash, yellow pantaloons and kneeboots. two barrels at his left foot. "WILL WATCH" in raised gilt capitals on base.
This figurine represents Will Watch, a legendary smuggler who was believed to have come from the Sussex area of England and who featured as a hero in a number of melodramas, the best- known being Will Watch and his Black-Eyed Susan. Several different versions of Will Watch were produced by Staffordshire firms, his popularity due to his romantic swashbuckling appearance.
This figurine represents Will Watch, a legendary smuggler who was believed to have come from the Sussex area of England and who featured as a hero in a number of melodramas, the best- known being Will Watch and his Black-Eyed Susan. Several different versions of Will Watch were produced by Staffordshire firms, his popularity due to his romantic swashbuckling appearance.
Maker and role
manufacturer: unknown
Production place
Staffordshire potteries district, Staffordshire, England
Production date
circa 1840
Media description
earthenware, lead-glazed
Measurements
370 x 90 x 215 mm
Inscriptions
insc. "WILL WATCH" letters raised in the mould and gilt
Credit line
Foundation Collection, 1989
Project credit line
This digital record has been made available on TJC Collection Online through a significant donation from the OPENING DOORS fund, the generous support of The Friends of The Johnston Collection, and Digitisation Champion Christine Bell
Accession number
A0209
TJC reference number
233
