Terracotta Head of a Bearded Man

Comprising six adult- and child-sized pattens, each a ring with extended tongue fitted with rivets to secure the ring to a wooden platform; some in a glazed wooden fabric-lined display case with labels and explanatory text, one with reproduction wooden sole and leather upper showing how the patent is attached. 6.05 kg total, 11.5-81 cm



From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

Iron pattens first came into use probably in 17th century A.D., and gained popularity during the first half of that century. The original design of the patten was as one piece of shaped wood attached beneath the sole of the shoe; this evolved into to a wooden platform attached to the underside of an iron ring. The pattens were thus forerunners of the Wellington boot which came into use in the 19th century A.D.

Comprising two designs in relief including three horses in an enclosure and two animals, likely cats, fighting; coloured glazes. 1.26 kg total, 10 x 9 - 9.5 x 10.2 in.



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

The tile production increased in the second half of the sixteenth century and during the following centuries. The fragments discovered from various localities (pot-tiles, rectangular, triangular and trapezoidal panels, open-work crest tiles) were all produced in regional workshops, from the end of the 15th century or at the beginning of the 16th century. They all had diverse decorative motifs, mainly animals and geometrical or vegetal combinations, almost all of them singular finds for this study area.

With fluted shoulders and scooped edges to the bezel, pointillé border and Greek monogram of a cross with 'MHNλ' finials. 6.72 grams, 21.82 mm overall, 18.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2 , USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)



Acquired 1960s-1990s. From the collection of the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.