A handsome and impressive figure depicting the British Crimean War general Sir James Simpson.
Simpson is depicted on horseback holding his horse’s reins in his right hand, his left on his hip. A large flag rises behind him. A cannon is at his feet and the title of the figure - ‘GNL SIMPSON’ - appears on a raised plaque on the base.
Simpson commanded British troops in Crimea from June to November 1855 following the death of Field Marshal Lord Raglan. He was succeeded by Sir William Codrington following his resignation. A reluctant commander, he was widely criticised for his leadership of British forces - particularly for the fall of Sevastopol and the failure of the Battle of the Great Redan. The phrase 'lions led by donkeys' (dating back to antiquity) was allegedly used by Russian soldiers to describe British troops during Simpson's tenure.
Among the Staffordshire figural depictions of Crimean commanders, Simpson is certainly more scarce than the likes of Raglan and possibly Campbell too.
The figure displays very well, but there is some restoration to note. The foot has been fully restored and repainted; and the top of the flag pole and flag have also been restored and painted. The effect is reasonably discreet from the front (though there is a slight colour change at the top of the yellow pole) but evidence of restoration is clear from the back. Some small flakes to the flag have been retouched.
Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book One, p. 33, fig. 51 P
Height: 12.5”
Date: c. 1855
A handsome and impressive figure depicting the British Crimean War general Sir James Simpson.
Simpson is depicted on horseback holding his horse’s reins in his right hand, his left on his hip. A large flag rises behind him. A cannon is at his feet and the title of the figure - ‘GNL SIMPSON’ - appears on a raised plaque on the base.
Simpson commanded British troops in Crimea from June to November 1855 following the death of Field Marshal Lord Raglan. He was succeeded by Sir William Codrington following his resignation. A reluctant commander, he was widely criticised for his leadership of British forces - particularly for the fall of Sevastopol and the failure of the Battle of the Great Redan. The phrase 'lions led by donkeys' (dating back to antiquity) was allegedly used by Russian soldiers to describe British troops during Simpson's tenure.
Among the Staffordshire figural depictions of Crimean commanders, Simpson is certainly more scarce than the likes of Raglan and possibly Campbell too.
The figure displays very well, but there is some restoration to note. The foot has been fully restored and repainted; and the top of the flag pole and flag have also been restored and painted. The effect is reasonably discreet from the front (though there is a slight colour change at the top of the yellow pole) but evidence of restoration is clear from the back. Some small flakes to the flag have been retouched.
Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book One, p. 33, fig. 51 P
Height: 12.5”
Date: c. 1855
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