Garden City, New York – May 1, 2008 - A lifelong collection of Victorian Staffordshire figures based upon literary subjects will be displayed at the Garden City, New York Public Library during the month of May.

The subjects range from actresses and actors in dramas by Shakespeare to figures from Uncle Tom’s Cabin, busts, and pottery portraits of authors such as John Milton, Lord
Byron and Robert Burns.

Earthenware figures were manufactured in the Staffordshire region of England and reached a peak of popularity in the 1850s and 60s. Reasonably priced, they were sold to the middle classes at fairs, entertainment events, and on the streets.

Subjects included Queen Victoria and her large family, Sportsmen, Farmers, Hunters, Animals, Celebrities, Authors, Poets and Theatrical Figures.

The collection owner is Elinor Penna who exhibits at the New York Ceramic Fair in January at the National Academy of Design on Fifth Avenue. Elinor’s web site is
www.elinorpenna.com.

The Garden city Library is located at 60 7th St. in Garden City. For hours call 516 742 8405