A small theatrical Toby jug c.1825-30

A small theatrical Toby jug c.1825-30, of John Liston in his role as Paul Pry, wearing a large black top hat and seated on a grassy mound, his famed umbrella tucked under his left arm, 14.5cm.

Provenance: from the Phil Medgett Collection of Toby Jugs.

Paul Pry was John Liston's most memorable comic role, first appearing onstage in September 1825 as part of John Poole's three act farce. The play centred around this interfering busybody who was in the habit of leaving an umbrella behind at all times, in order to give him an excuse to return and eavesdrop.