Chimney Ornament: Ale-Bench c. 1820

This charming Staffordshire pottery "Chimney Ornament: Ale-Bench" from around 1820 depicts a humorous scene of a man and woman enjoying a drink together on a bench. The lively, colorful figures and the playful, whimsical nature of the scene are characteristic of these popular chimney ornaments, often made in Staffordshire, England. This piece, now in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, is a reminder of the vibrant social scene and the importance of ale in 19th-century English culture.