£1,000
Local Interest: Ashbourne, Derbyshire.
An antique carved double sided bust, made from Derbyshire Gritstone, believed to be the original carving for 'The Blackamoor's Head' (he Black's Head', now the 'Green Man' public house on Church Street, Ashbourne, 41cm tall, 29cm wide, 29cm deep.
This amazing local discovery has various tales as to what it symbolizes before being assosciated to The Blackamoor's Head pub in Ashbourne.
It is thought that this is the orignal stone head that would've been displayed in close proximity to the pub before being replaced by several wooden adaptations over the last few hundred years.
It has been suggested that the bust could have been modelled on Francis Barber, a Jamaican servant boy of Samuel Johnson in the mid 18th century as Johnson spent a lot of his time around Ashbourne and neighboruing Wootton. Local Folklore suggests that Francis fell in love with Ashbourne as the local villagers did to him also. It is double sided and supposedly show Francis to be happy when entering Ashbourne with Johnson whilst the other side is sad when they were due to leave the settlement for their next adventure.
Other sources suggest the head derives from the Shirley family, and was included within their heraldic crest.
We are extremely proud to offer this item for public auction on behalf of our client for something that is completely unusual and is so significant and recognisable to the town of Ashbourne. Collection only or by arranged courier.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Room and Absentee Bids:
24% inc VAT*
Online and Autobids:
27.6% inc VAT*
