£1,250.00
A wonderfully characterful set of four French folk art toadstool sculptures, dating from the mid-20th century and retaining their beautifully weathered original painted decoration.
A wonderfully characterful set of four French folk art toadstool sculptures, dating from the mid-20th century and retaining their beautifully weathered original painted decoration.
Recently sourced in France, the four toadstools form a particularly appealing graduated group, each individually modelled with its own slightly irregular proportions and surface. Broad, flattened mushroom caps sit above substantial textured stems, which rise organically from spreading bases modelled to resemble the uneven woodland floor.
The original polychrome decoration is particularly attractive. The caps retain fragmented areas of coral-red and warm cream paint, while the bases are picked out in wonderfully faded moss and grass greens. The pale stems provide a natural contrast between the two.
Decades of exposure have softened and fragmented the painted surfaces, revealing areas of the underlying concrete and aggregate and producing an almost lichen-like, crusted patina. It is precisely this combination of naïve modelling, faded colour and genuine weathering that gives the group such strong folk-art character.
Rather than being perfectly uniform cast ornaments, each has a distinctly individual appearance. The varying heights—from the smallest, squat mushroom to the tallest, slender example—allow the four to be arranged as a naturalistic woodland group. Viewed together, they have an almost storybook quality while remaining wonderfully sculptural.
Originally intended as decorative garden ornaments, today they work equally well as pieces of French folk art and decorative sculpture. They could be grouped amongst antique terracotta pots in a garden or orangery, displayed beneath a console or side table, or introduced into a country-house interior alongside other naïve and found objects.
Their substantial weight gives each piece a reassuring solidity, while the irregular modelling and heavily weathered original finish prevent them from feeling overly decorative or reproduction-like.
A particularly charming surviving set, and increasingly difficult to find as a coherent group of four with such good original surface and colour.
Sourced in France and offered together as a set of four.
Each toadstool is individually formed with a broad, gently domed cap above a substantial cylindrical stem and spreading irregular base.
The surfaces have deliberately rough, almost hand-modelled texture rather than the crisp finish associated with modern moulded garden ornament. Variations between each piece give the group its particularly appealing naïve character.
The caps retain extensive traces of their original red and cream colouring, with areas of exposed aggregate creating a naturally mottled appearance. The stems have weathered to soft stone and earthy tones, while remnants of green paint survive across the bases.
The tallest example creates a strong central point when the four are displayed together, with the three smaller forms naturally clustering around it.
Good original vintage condition with extensive and highly attractive weathering consistent with age and outdoor use.
There are losses, flaking and rubbing to the original painted decoration throughout, together with surface pitting, abrasions, small chips, knocks and irregularities to the concrete. Areas of aggregate are exposed and the surviving red, cream and green pigments have faded considerably.
The surfaces have developed a wonderfully textured, almost lichen-like appearance.
These imperfections are entirely in keeping with their age, material and original outdoor purpose and are an important part of the group's decorative character.
We have deliberately not restored the toadstools, preserving their naturally aged surface and original character.
Please refer closely to the photographs for the individual condition of each piece.
Measurements vary across the four individual toadstools:
Height: 11–20 cm / 4.3–7.9 inches
Width: 13–18 cm / 5.1–7.1 inches
Depth: 14–21 cm / 5.5–8.3 inches
Weight: 1.3–2 kg / 2.9–4.4 lbs each
Sold as a set of four.
Every item offered by Shackleton Fox is carefully inspected, prepared, and where necessary conserved within our workshop prior to sale.
As heritage craftsmen and antique specialists, we believe in preserving the authenticity and integrity of each piece. Original finishes, patina, wear, and signs of age are retained wherever possible, as these elements contribute to both character and historical significance.
When restoration, rewiring, repairs, or conservation work is required, it is undertaken sympathetically using traditional techniques and materials appropriate to the period of the piece. Our philosophy is one of careful stewardship rather than unnecessary restoration, ensuring antiques remain both functional and historically respectful.
The result is a collection of pieces that have been thoughtfully prepared, allowing future owners to enjoy them with confidence while preserving their unique story and character.
