Photographed at Notley Abbey in the drawing room circa 1959.

In generally good condition and appearance. There is typical glaze crazing throughout, and some flaking to the black enamel of the figure's shoes. There is a hairline crack to the torso beginning from the stack of books, visible to both the front and back of the figure. There is a hairline crack, which is probably a crazing crack, to the figure's left shoulder.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Vivien got to know George Bernard Shaw well. She was the star of his Caesar and Cleopatra produced in 1946. An identical Staffordshire figure of Shakespeare is illustrated on Shaw's mantelpiece in an edition of Life magazine dedicated to the movie and the great writer. See 'GBS is 90', Life, 29 July 1946, p. 42. The caption for this image reads, 'Above Shaw's Mantel is a portrait of his late wife Charlotte Payne-Townshend, who died three years ago. Below picture is [an] Academy Award Statuette (for Pygmalion) and a porcelain figure of Shakespeare who Shaw admires though he thinks his own plays are better...'