RARE BARKER, SUTTON AND TILL PEARLWARE BUST OF WILLIAM M. CLOWES CIRCA 1834-43

The rectangular grey-washed plinth titled W. M. CLOWES / primitive methodist preacher, red printed B.S. & T. Burslem.

His nose is restored. There are several minor glaze losses to the rim edges. There is an approximate 1/2-inch chip to the bottom edge of plinth and a small chip to the upper rim edge of the plinth. Otherwise in good condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

William Clowes was the son of the potter William Clowes Snr. and of Ann, daughter of Aaron Wedgwood. Born at Burslem in 1780, he was employed in his early life as a potter. He was converted in 1815 and established a prayer meeting in his own home and became the leader of the Wesleyan methodist class. A similar bust in the Victoria and Albert Museum Collection is illustrated in Geoffrey Godden, The Encyclopedia of British Pottery and Porcelain, p. 19, pl. 35. Another was sold at Sotheby's, London, June 23, 1987, lot 342.