Minton Hollins 1870 Brown Series · Carlson Fable Collection

Title

Minton Hollins 1870 Brown Series

Description

1870 Series of Three Brown Tiles. Minton Hollins Co. Patent Tile Works, Stoke on Trent. No. 2 RCW. $150 each from an unknown source.

These three tiles are clearly in a series. A curious feature is that two of them have lettering on the back at a 90 degree angle from the image on the front. The lettering on the back of these tiles is clear. Two are in excellent condition, while one (The Sow and the Fox) has a chip off one corner.

The Hound and the Hunter
The illustration here seems to accord with a portion of Bewick's for the same fable. Other illustrators include the prey that the old dog is no longer able to hunt as once. The image here is identical with that on a colored Minton tile in our collection for which we have estimated a date of 1880.

The Wolf and the Sow
The pose of the wolf here is noteworthy. He leans into the pen as though he is concerned and eager to help. The artist emphasizes the sow's size and her udders. The wolf is offering help, sometimes identified as midwife or medical or baby-sitting help. The sow responds that he can best help by leaving. Watch out for an enemy offering help!

The Boar and the Fox
The artist's boar may be less successful than some of his other objects. He seems not presently to be sharpening his tusks. The fox, on the other hand, is a good representation of the curious bystander at a bit of safe distance. The time to sharpen tusks is not during battle but before.