Shakespeare Asleep under a Crab Tree

Description

Bas-relief model, showing Shakespeare asleep under the crab tree at Bidford-on-Avon, made by Edward Grubb (1740-1816). Contained in a wooden box with lid and glass panel. It depicts a popular, although probably baseless, tale about Shakespeare having taken part in a drinking contest at the Falcon Inn at Bidford-on-Avon, after which he allegedly fell asleep underneath a crab tree. Probably made as a model for the central motif of a marble chimney piece which Grubb fitted at the property of George Warriner at Bloxham Grove, near Banbury., Clay model temporarily removed from wooden box for exhibition. Now replaced. AG 30.4.1999. Same object as SBT 1868-3/387.