Doe and Hope

Description

The well patinated flat back cast iron door porter recumbent lion, half modelled in the Landseer style, probably by T.Jones of Carmarthen in around 1880, with one paw outstretched and flowing mane, survives from the late nineteenth century.

Showing weathering commensurate with age, having been placed outside, the model is in good structural order showing no signs of damage or repair work. His colour and even wear is extremely desirable.

Half models or door porter lions like these were rather popular for large country houses in late Victorian times, some were gilded, though this example is particularly well modeled with the features very well defined, and the lions face noble.

A very similar example to this sold at Christies in 1999 and was stamped to the reverse T.JONES CARMARTHEN. Although this example isn’t stamped it is extremely similar and has the same quality, thus is attributed to the Welsh firm. The Priory Foundry, 110 Priory Street, Carmarthen, was run from c. 1860 to the late 19th century, by Mr T. Jones and his brother, and later by his sons.

Being so handsome, he could happily act as anything from door porter to garden feature, fireplace companion or decorative feature. No thorns in this lion’s paw.