Wonderful vintage handmade studio pottery figurine by Marie Whitby of Seven Springs Pottery, Ashwell, Hertfordshire, dating to 1977.

An unusual and characterful piece depicting an elegantly dressed lady in a large decorative hat, accompanied by a small long-haired dog at her feet. The figure has wonderful hand-modelled details including her clothing, hat, face and accessories, finished in an earthy palette of cream, brown and dark grey/black glazes.

The underside retains its original red paper label reading “HAND-MADE IN ASHWELL”, with handwritten details and the date 1977.

Seven Springs Pottery was established in Ashwell, Hertfordshire in 1964 by ceramic artist Marie Whitby, who became known for individually modelled pottery figures and figure groups.

A particularly quirky piece of 1970s British studio pottery with lots of character.