A pair of Worcester figures of a gardener and his companion circa 1770

the male figure holding a flower pot  and leaning on his spade, wearing striped breeches, a yellow jacket and a tricorn hat, the female figure holding a basket of flowers and a posy, wearing a pink dress, patterned skirt and a yellow bonnet, both set on low bases applied with flower sprays, (his hat and spade restored)

Male figure: The corners and front brim (including the rosette) of his hat have been restored and the restoration has now slightly discoloured. Typical chipping to the flowers and leaves, one flower on the side of the base is almost entirely lacking. There are minute chips to the bows on his shoes and to the one in his hair to the rear. There is a slightly open firing crack which runs around the front of the tree support behind his right leg and branches up the trunk slightly. At some point there has been an attempt to fill this crack and a very small speck of infill is visible. Female figure: typical chipping to the extremities of the flowers and leaves. One of the flowers applied to the sprig on the front of the base is entirely lacking. There is a minute chip to the bow on her hat. There are some fire cracks to the base, one below her dress to the rear and one underneath the figure.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A pair of white glazed similar figures is illustrated by H. Rissik Marshall, Coloured Worcester Porcelain (1954), plate 20, no. 382, and another white pair were in the Zorensky Collection, sold Bonhams, 22nd February 2006, part III, lot 212.  A single coloured example of the male figure, set on a high scroll base, was also in the Zorensky Collection, part II, 23rd February, 2005, lot 204.