Little Horribles

September 2, 2017 5:38 PM

Little Horribles were a series of collectible porcelain statues produced by the figurine producer Hagen Renaker. Although more famed for their animal statuary, the horribles were a line of grotesque (but endearing) monsters, often with surreal and cartoony looks. Designed by the artist Nell Bortells (a brief memorial here), you can take a look at the creatures at a number of online galleries from collectors. One blogger does a deeper dive on a specific figurine, showing how it's a direct reference to Salvador Dali's Soft Construction with Boiled Beans (Premonition of Civil War).
posted by codacorolla (7 comments total)

Oh my gosh this is so delightful! I totally used to collect these as a kid (because CATS) and this is my first time hearing about the Little Horribles. I'm gonna have to go find my figurine box next time I'm down at my parents' house!
posted by augustimagination at 6:38 PM on September 2, 2017

Holy moley my mom used to collect these and I had no idea that was these were. Emailing my mom right now...
posted by cristinacristinacristina at 6:55 PM on September 2, 2017 [1 favorite]

Came here expecting Garbage Pail Kids and/or Basil Wolverton.
Got Geedis instead.
posted by acb at 4:34 AM on September 3, 2017 [2 favorites]

I've never heard of these, but I love to pick up weird and wonderful figurines at thrift stores and estate sales to add to my army of odd creatures. Thanks for a fantastic post, codacorolla!
posted by vickyverky at 8:17 AM on September 3, 2017

These are excellent. Man the fifties were weird.
posted by aspersioncast at 8:56 AM on September 3, 2017

MetaFilter: Soft Construction with Boiled Beans (on a plate)
posted by jferg at 3:05 PM on September 3, 2017

Wow, these are incredible!
posted by nicolas léonard sadi carnot at 9:14 PM on September 3, 2017