Staffordshire Figure of William Smith O'Brien - circa 1848
Irish Nationalist, Politician, Convicted Criminal.
Made by the "Alpha Factory"
O'Brien, although a Protestant was an Irish Nationalist.
Born in Clare, he entered Parliament in 1826.
In 1843 he joined Daniel O'Connell's Repeal Association,
but O'Connell's aversion to violence led to O'Brien
helping to form in 1846 and leading
The Young Irelanders Repeal League.
In 1848 he led a failed uprising in Tipperary,
subsequently arrested and found guilty for High Treason.
His sentence was to be hanged, drawn and quartered,
but this was later commuted to transportation to Tasmania for life.
In 1854 he was released on condition he did not return to Ireland
and received a Free Pardon in 1856.
This rare and interesting portrait figure is a beauty.
It is attractive, very finely modelled,
fully coloured in bright, well-fired enamel colours,
a superb clear glaze, a wonderful cobalt blue jacket,
excellent gilding and some good provenance.
We can ask no more of a staffordshire Figure.
It is in exceptional condition.
There is no damage and no restoration.
Height: 7 inches
