Definition:Fairing

An antique fairing is a small porcelain figurine given as a prize or souvenir at British fairs, markets, and seaside resorts during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The term ‘fairing’ comes from ‘fair’ — these pieces were prizes won or purchased at fairground stalls. Most antique fairings were produced in Germany (particularly in the Conta & Boehme and Springer & Oppenheimer potteries) specifically for export to Britain, despite their thoroughly English subjects. Dog fairings typically depict dogs in charming, humorous, or sentimental scenes — a dog guarding a baby, a dog and cat in comic confrontation, or a dog with a Victorian-era child. Fairing condition is critical; the small applied details and painted decoration are fragile.