Water Carrier Figure by James Hadley for Royal Worcester

Offered for sale is a lovely classical figure of a water carrier. Modelled as a woman kneeling down to collect water, it was modelled by renowned potter James Hadley for Royal Worcester. She is barefoot and her gown which is draped over one shoulder is in typical Royal Worcester blush ivory tones of peaches and cream decorated with a floral border and gilding. The Royal Worcester backstamp is for 1895. James Hadley (1837–1903) was apprenticed in the 1850s to Kerr & Binns of Worcester. He worked in the modelling department with Edward Locke and the young Thomas Brock. By 1870 he became principal modeller for Royal Worcester and in 1875 decided to leave and set up his own modelling studio at no.95 Worcester High Street. He sold almost his complete output of ornamental vases and figures to Royal Worcester, often inscribing his name on the base of his master models. In November 1895 Hadley’s contract to supply models to Royal Worcester was terminated due to a dwindling demand for elaborate luxury goods.