The Staffordshire potteries were the largest group of English, ceramic factories producing vast quantities of useful and ornamental wares from the 17th century to the present day. Generally, they produced lead-glazed or salt glazed earthenwares. They also produced many types of porcelain especially from the early 19th century. These potteries began as a purely national industry but were influencing Continental factories in the late 18th century. They were carrying on export trade with all parts of the world in the 19th century. Staffordshire potteries are situated in the county borough of Stoke-on-Trent, in the district commonly known as The Potteries (Burslem, Stoke, Hanley, Tunstall and Longton, though also including Longport, Fenton, Cobridge, Shelton, Lane Delph and Lane End).

Slipware, stoneware, porcelain, parian ware and others began their life in England in this area. Names such as Elers Brothers, Whieldon, Toft, Wood, Wedgwood, Spode, and Mason’s made this area famous worldwide and products eagerly sought after. Other factories were engaged, chiefly in the 19th century, in turning out vast quantities of simple household wares and endearing naïve statutes to grace cottage mantelpieces: Staffordshire figures. The statuettes represent spaniels and poodles and a whole panorama of 19th century notabilities - Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, John Brown, General Gordon, General Booth, Garibaldi, W. G. Grace, Maria Marten. Staffordshire figures were made mainly from circa 1840 to 1900. They were cast from molds and decorated in gay enamel colors with a little glazing. The backs of these lovely figures were generally treated in summary fashion and rarely colored.