Charles James Fox, English writer and M.P. (1749–1806) 1765 - 1785

This eight-inch-high earthenware figure of Charles James Fox was created in England by Ralph Wood the Younger sometime before 1795. Fox was a prominent Whig Member of Parliament known for his progressive views, particularly his support for the American Revolution and his opposition to the slave trade. Such a small figure speaks volumes about the increasing commercialization of political culture in late 18th century England. The production of inexpensive figurines allowed for the dissemination of political imagery beyond the traditional elites. Their popularity suggests a broadening of political engagement among the middle classes. The choice of Fox as a subject is telling. His stances often challenged the conservative establishment, and his portrayal in such a domestic, collectible form indicates a degree of popular appeal. Historians can look to sources like political pamphlets, newspaper articles, and even personal letters to understand the nuances of Fox’s public image and the social context in which such figures were produced and consumed. This helps us understand how political opinions began to take shape in the homes and everyday lives of ordinary people.