Rare Royal Worcester Parian Wall Bracket – "Winter" from the Four Seasons Series – Circa 1865

An exceptionally scarce antique Royal Worcester Parian wall bracket from the celebrated Four Seasons series, modelled by renowned Royal Worcester sculptor James Hadley and dating to approximately 1865.

This elegant allegorical figure represents Winter, depicted as a reclining semi-draped female sheltered within an icy grotto or rock formation while holding a small vessel. The sculptural composition displays the refined modelling and flowing naturalism for which Hadley's early Parian work is highly regarded.

Originally produced as part of a set of four seasonal wall brackets, examples seldom appear on the market, making this an attractive opportunity for collectors of Royal Worcester, Parian ware and Victorian sculpture.

Condition

The piece has survived well considering its age but has a number of condition issues which have been fully photographed:

• Historic repair to one ankle.
• Historic repair to one hand.
• Losses to several toes.
• Damage/loss to part of the wall hanging aperture on the reverse.
• Small areas of age-related wear and surface marks.
• No other major losses noted.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and condition report.

Approximate Measurements

• Height: 15 cm
• Width: 15 cm
• Depth: 22 cm

(Approximate, taken from the photographs.)

Item Specifics

• Manufacturer: Royal Worcester
• Designer: James Hadley
• Pattern/Series: Four Seasons
• Subject: Winter
• Material: Parian ware
• Colour: White
• Date: Circa 1865
• Origin: England
• Style: Victorian
• Type: Wall Bracket
• Antique: Yes

Historical Note

James Hadley (1837–1903) was one of Royal Worcester's most accomplished sculptors, producing many of the firm's finest Parian figures during the mid-Victorian period. The Four Seasons allegorical wall brackets are among his more desirable sculptural works and are now considerably rarer than Royal Worcester's standard Parian figures.