Staffordshire creamware advertising model for James Atkinson’s Bears Grease, 1799-1818

Description

During the early 1800s James Atkinson, based at 44 Gerard Street, London, used charming ceramic bears like this to advertise his Bear’s Grease in Chemist and Druggist shops. This one depicts a polar bear standing in an icy landscape.

Fact

Manufacturers would often stress that their preparation contained only genuine bear’s grease. However, due to demand outstripping supply, many manufacturers substituted pork fat for bear’s grease.