Peggy Davies is often credited as taking over the mantle of figure modelling from Leslie Harradine, but in labelling her as such we miss a quintessential part of her, namely her love of life. It is this love of life that epitomises so many of her figures and when considering what makes a classic Peggy Davies figure we must really consider the time when the piece was modelled, as her style changed dramatically over the years. In part this change can be explained as personal but it can also be accounted for by the restrictions that were placed on her by the managers of Royal Doulton over their years of association, as they strove to create an instantly recognisable house style. Many collectors can instantly recognise a Harradine figure from one of Peggy’s, and some say that she lacks the skill of Harradine. However, I would simply argue that she worked in a different time, not only in relation to the fashions of that time but also the strict restrictions placed upon her regarding, for example, the number of parts a figure could have.

Peggy’s first introductions to the HN range really did follow on in Harradine’s footsteps as can be seen by her Bernice HN2071, however her style was to quickly evolve as she brought a simplicity of line and form to the HN collection. Her Gay Morning HN2135 really illustrates this point perfectly. Peggy also planned her figures so it is no surprise to find pairs of figures entering the range, take for example Delphine HN2136 and Lilac Time HN2137.

The prolific output from Peggy means that collectors very often have to specialise when it comes to her figures and whilst there are some obvious themes such as character studies and child figures, other themes have emerged directly from the styles of figures typical of her. Consider dancing ladies, a particular favourite amongst collectors and two of the most popular being Alexandra HN2398 and Elaine HN2791. Both unique in their modelling they display perfectly together and one can add to the

display with the many other dancing ladies she created.

Movement was something Peggy was particularly famed for and some prime examples of this as Jacqueline HN2333 and Melissa HN2467, both of whom are perfectly poised whilst their skirts twirl around them. Fashion too was an important part of Peggy’s work and her historical models are credited as being true to life. Similarly her ladies of fashion such as Julia HN2706 or Jane HN2806, both holding their summer parasols, we can imagine in any Victorian summer garden. The garden suggests another theme, where many of Peggy’s models can be pictured. Consider Camellia HN2222 holding her flower or Elyse HN2791 reclining in the shade on a hot summer’s day.

‘Readers’ as they are termed are another phenomenon directly created by Peggy who lovingly modelled many figures either holding or reading books. Her Solitude HN2810 is seen quietly reclining, engrossed by her book. This theme can be added to by figures from other modellers both past and present.