An important life-size Minton majolica model of a peacock circa 1876

The Peacock Hotel, Rowsley, Derbyshire, 1966-2002.

THE ROWSLEY PEACOCK

The Rowsley Peacock is one of possibly twelve life-size models produced in 'majolica' by Mintons between 1873-1880.  Designed by Paul Comolera, one was exhibited at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876 and another at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1878.

A further example was destined for the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880 but the ship on which it was being carried, the Loch Ard, was wrecked fourteen miles from the Australian coast. After being salvaged intact in June 1878 and subsequently sold twice at auction, that example is now on display at The Warrnambool Maritime Museum, Australia.  Intriguingly, for many years the Rowsley Peacock was confused with the Australian example and an inscribed plaque incorrectly recording its origin was exhibited alongside it in the hotel.

Further examples that are known to have survived are to be found at The Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, the Peacock Vane Hotel, Isle of Wight, Merseyside county Museums, Liverpool, three in private collections in the United States and another in a private collection in the north of England. Another, in the Minton Museum, Stoke-on-Trent, was sold at auction by Bonham's, London, 23rd July 2002, lot 179, during their dispersal of much of the museum's collection.

THE PEACOCK HOTEL, ROWSLEY

Situated on the banks of the river Derwent at Rowsley near Matlock in the heart of the Peak District National Park, the Peacock Hotel was converted from the Dower House to Haddon Hall in 1820. Originally built in 1652 for John Stevenson, agent to the Manners family at Haddon Hall, The Peacock Hotel has been a regular stopover for walkers and visitors to the National Park. Although the records are sketchy, The Rowsley Peacock was acquired for the hotel in about 1966 where it has stood in the hotel's reception area. Shortly after its arrival and for its own protection most of the model was encased in a low brick wall leaving only the bird exposed. Thus, when work began on its removal in 2002 it was unclear whether the model was complete.

PAUL COMOLERA AND THE ROWSLEY PEACOCK

Paul Comolera (1818-1897), a sculptor of bronzes, is recorded as a modeller at Mintons from 1873 until circa 1880, specialising in life-size models of birds and animals.  Born in Paris, he made his debut at the Salon in 1846 after completing his studies at the rue d'Enfer as a pupil of François Rude. Whilst some of his models were produced in faience by H. Boulanger & Co., Choisy, as well as the 'majolica' wares at Mintons, he continued to exhibit his bronze castings at the Salon until his death in 1897.