This new and beautiful book traces the development of pioneer photographs and the miniature art cases that were manufactured to protect and display them. Icons of their time, photographic cases are rich in history and design. Not limited to the cases themselves, this book explores various aspects of the Daguerreian era (1840-1870) and includes information on one-of-a-kind photographic forms, artists and casemakers, die-engraving, and all components of wood-framed, thermoplastic, and novelty cases. Emphasis is placed on Victorian-era design and its impact on the American case art industry. Included are over 460 illustrations, informative captions with values, and a comprehensive index. Written for novice and experienced collectors and designers alike, this book is a must-have resource for photographica enthusiasts, dealers, historians, and artists.

Imagine the gilded age of a nation reflected in hundreds of earthenware figures, each with its own story to tell. This book offers an in-depth study of the cultural, socio-economic, religious, political, and technological history that defined the British Empire in the 19th century. This meticulously researched volume is infused with the real-life stories of the potters, their subjects, and people who lived with these historical figurines. Each chapter is a self-contained study of the Staffordshire potteries where they were made, the potters who created them, and of the characters themselves, including spaniels and other animals, the English monarchy, religious symbols, children, heroes, rouges, architecture and much more. Included are over 550 superb color photographs of Staffordshire figures (some previously unrecorded) and detailed captions with values. This is an essential reference for collectors, dealers, designers, historians, curators, and all who love antique ceramics.

This comprehensive new reference focuses on the variety of animal figures produced in Staffordshire during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Characterized by a cottage industry quaintness, Staffordshire figures were known as "image toys" and "chimney ornaments" in their day. Countless subjects were produced but the animal models comprise a Noah's Ark of some of the most charming and endearing figures. Today, Staffordshire animals are among the bestselling and most widely collected antique ceramics. Beautifully illustrated with over 400 color photographs, this book traces animal figure evolution through chapters on animals in art, British ceramics, Staffordshire potters and potteries, and production techniques and styles. Informative captions provide descriptions, dates of manufacture, and current values.

No Victorian parlor was complete without a Staffordshire Spaniel on the mantel. This fascinating text focuses exclusively on these popular Victorian era antiques produced in Staffordshire, England from circa 1840 through the turn of the century. A detailed look at all of the Spaniel variations, along with the history of this "breed" of Staffordshire figure, and the more recent reproductions is provided and beautifully illustrated with over 285 color photographs and illustrations. Also included are the historical context into which these Spaniels fit, background on the Staffordshire potteries and canine statuary, molding processes, decorating techniques, Spaniel types and sizes, tips for collectors, and a helpful glossary. Informative captions offer descriptions, sizes, dates of manufacture, and current market values.