A Staffordshire pearlware figure of the actor John Liston

A Staffordshire pearlware figure of the actor John Liston, in the role of the mischievous gossip, Paul Pry, carrying his famous umbrella prop in his left hand, c.1826-30, some good restoration, 15.3cm. Paul Pry was the eponymous character of a busybody turned hero from John Poole's comedy of 1826. He carried an umbrella which he deliberately left behind him in order to have an excuse to return and eavesdrop.