19th Century Carved Stone Figure of Garden Gnome c.1870

19th Century Carved Stone Figure of Garden Gnome * British Circa 1870 * Original weathering * Rare find The history of garden gnomes is quite fascinating and these quirky and whimsical little figures have a rich history that spans centuries and the first British Gnomes or fairy miners as they have been referred to started in 1874 with Sir Charles Isham of Lamport Hall in Northamptonshire. If you are looking to enhance an area of your garden or add a new feature this perfect antique gnome this could be just your chap ! We even have a whimsical stone maiden for company – please see Aq035 Composition Stone Figure of a Maiden - Mid 20th Century well weathered (whitesantiquescollective.co.uk) Although they are now a common sight in suburban gardens, their origins trace back to folklore and fairy tales. I have to confess that against all odds I did find the animated Gnomeo and Juliet rather sweet and given Sir Conan Doyle’s belief in fairies etc I’m sure he would have enjoyed Sherlock Gnomes too! Gnomes, in various forms, have existed in folklore and fairy tales for centuries. However, the recognizable garden gnomes we know today first appeared in the 19th century. The earliest gnomes were carved in wood in Switzerland. These wooden figures depicted gnomes engaged in various activities, including gardening tasks. In the 1840s, Germany began producing ceramic gnomes. These charming figures were also depicted as gardeners and workers. They quickly gained popularity across Europe. In 1874, Sir Charles Isham of Lamport Hall in Northamptonshire introduced garden gnomes to the United Kingdom. He brought back around 20 ceramic “Gnomen-Figuren” from a holiday in Germany. Originally, these gnomes served as placeholders on the family dining table (standing at just about 3 inches high). However, Sir Charles’s wife decided to place them in the rockery among the alpine plants. Sir Charles Isham, the 10th baronet, was not only a passionate gardener but also a fervent spiritualist and vegetarian (which was unusual for his time). He built an impressive alpine garden at Lamport Hall, complete with a large rockery that stood 24 feet high, 90 feet long, and 45 feet wide. I do recommend the following article as I found it fascinating and I love Garden History Girl’s reference to fairy miners!