A mid twentieth century naive carved wooden figure of a peasant women in a green pinny and spotted headscarf, most likely from Bavaria, Germany. She once stood on the green dresser shelves in The Tudor House, Hastings - see last image.  Beautiful in its naivety and simple folk art style of carving, even down to the detail of her clasped hands on the reverse.

Old Mother Hubbard,
Went to the Cupboard,
To give the poor Dog a bone;
When she came there,
The Cupboard was bare,
And so the poor Dog had none.

Note: the little twig cottage and circular board in the second image are not included.

Provenance: The Tudor House, Old Town Hastings, UK

Country of origin: Germany

Date of manufacture: c.1950

Material: wood

Dimensions: Height 15cm  / Width 5.5cm

Condition: excellent

The Christmas House

The Tudor House, Hastings, also known as The Christmas House, when it opened to visitors each December, had a place in the hearts of the many that passed through its wee front door.  It was a magical experience, and was likened to stepping into a Brothers Grimm fairytale.  The house is now sold and has passed into memory, yet its magical contents are not quite gone, as Alastair has saved the best for last - for our extra-special Christmas House Contents Sale.

The eclectic mix of primitive Eastern European furniture, English country furniture, folk-art and Black Forest antiques chosen for the house were honest and humble, yet always remarkable, and put together with a sense of theatre - to achieve a more contemporary take on the past.  “It’s all about a careful mix, a telling of a story, and I hope others will find pleasure in the treasures I’ve collected and curated” says Alastair.  “Select pieces that create surprise, that transform your space beyond reality!” And this little figure, placed unexpectedly, could be just the thing.