Royal Worcester Porcelain Figures By James Hadley, “before The Wind” & “against The Wind”

An outstanding and rare pair of Royal Worcester glazed Parian porcelain figures modelled by James Hadley, capturing flowing movement in the celebrated wind maiden compositions. The sculptural drapery and expressive stance embody the finest Victorian porcelain craftsmanship.

Hadley revolutionised Worcester’s modelling department in the 1860s, introducing naturalistic motion and emotional presence into porcelain sculpture. This pair clearly reflects that transformation through animated fabric folds and balanced sculptural design.

The figures are decorated in an exceptionally rare pastel pink and green palette, a brief experimental colour scheme seldom seen today. Gilt-edged marbled bases denote higher decorative quality.

Impressed Worcester factory marks without lettered date codes confirm early production within the later 19th century.

Highly expressive Hadley modelling combined with this unusually bold pastel colour scheme makes this pair considerably rarer and more collectible.

Dimensions

• Pink dress figure: Weight 728 g; height 28.7 cm; width 12 cm; depth 10.3 cm

• Green dress figure: Weight 748 g; height 26.5 cm; width 11.5 cm; depth 10.4 cm

Condition

A small chip to the rim of the base on the pink figure. The green figure in excellent condition.