The wait is almost over! Thank you for all the wonderful messages! Watch this space for the final reveal, with subscription details and membership benefits! Thank you to those who have already discovered the first subscription link 😉 – good old http://www.paulwebsterantiques.co.uk
Don’t miss out on this fantastic new opportunity to keep up with the world of Doulton and keep checking this page for updates!
An unusually detailed colourway from the 1930s. Note the decoration to the skirt.
Without doubt Top o’ the hill remains Doulton’s most instantly recognisable figure. Since her introduction in 1937, Leslie Harradine’s ever popular figure has been used as a demonstration piece at exhibitions and events for decades.
Doulton’s iconic figure was based on a picture by Molly Benatar (illustrated) and the sole rights for reproduction in china were bought exclusively by Doulton from the publisher Raphael Tuck. Not a bad investment on Doulton’s part given her popularity and thus her lengthy production.
Interestingly, from a collector’s point of view are the subtle changes to her over the years. The figures illustrated above all date to 1937 and 1938 and are the original 3 colourways. Changes to her have included a deeper base, less detailed, delicate frills to her underskirt and a thicker brim to her hat – all of which were invariably made in response to collectors’ feedback as these early versions are all somewhat fragile.
A more recent colourway discovery dated 1938.
Another interesting note is the difference that occured in painting during the war years to the red version. HN1834 originally had blue streaks as many red figures from this time did, but when Doulton began producing figures again after the war, she became a solid red. Another change occurred in the 1950’s when she was modelled with an elongated face, no doubt a change to then fashions. This change was later reversed and I doubt people even realised there had been a change!
Above is the cover of the 1949 catalogue when the sequence was begun again post WWII.
In more recent times there have been other colourways of this iconic figure introduced, including a yellow and green one HN2127 for Australia’s Bicentenary in 1988 and a deep blue one HN3735 in 1997. A miniature was also made in a few colourways including the popular red in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Most recently a petite size has also been introduced.
Keep spreading the Doulton word! And keep watching this space!
Here’s a clue as to one of the exciting projects we’re involved with, that is coming your way in the VERY near future! Watch this space for more information!
Always on the look out for the unusual I recently spotted this colour trial for Karen HN1994 that was eventually produced in a red colourway. It is the second time I’ve seen her in black suggesting that this black and white version was a serious consideration and must have done the rounds both sides of the Atlantic to garner her popularity prior to production.
Like many models introduced just after the war, Doulton held any war time introductions back until the war was over in 1945. The model for Karen (no.1237) dates to ca.1943, whereas the figure produced as HN1994 was introduced in 1947 and withdrawn in 1955.
Another nice feature is the crispness of the modelling in the black and white version, that you can hopefully make out from the picture.
Few would have imagined just a few years ago that a major new museum housing the best art pottery and glass in the world was destined for Dania Beach, Florida.
In just a few years the Wiener Museum of Decorative Art has established itself as a must for lovers of art pottery and glass and the fantastic breadth of the collection has ensured that it has the necessary ‘pulling’ power to attract collectors from around the world.
This last weekend a major new exhibition was launched ‘The Seduction of the Flower’ by Louise Irvine, Executive Director of the WMODA.
Fortunately for collectors the previous exhibition ‘Flair for Fashion’ was also still running last weekend and collectors were treated to the best of many ceramic and glass producers with an emphasis on the products of Royal Doulton.
Here are some photographs of both exhibitions for you to enjoy!
For further information on the museum follow this link http://wmoda.com
Exactly a week ago the final preparations for the first International Ceramics and Glass Fair were taking place. Situated in a specially created space inside the Gallery of Amazing Things in Miami, the Doulton room was joined by displays of Moorcroft, The English Ladies Co, Lladro, Ardmore and Denis Chinaworks among others.
Little did we know at this point last week that we were in for such an outstanding turnout of over 1400 visitors attracted not only by the displays but also the latest exhibition ‘The Seduction of the Flower’ upstairs at the WMODA as well as a varied programme of events including master classes and talks.
Nothing speaks better than pictures, so here are a few of the Doulton room featuring The Art of a Royal Doulton selling exhibition. Enjoy!
A while back I wrote this piece for Seaway China and there was a great response to these very rare Vellum figures.
I’ve just been given a sneak peek at this highly decorated version of the Moorish Minstrel that is coming up for auction in April with the Potteries Special Auctions. I don’t recall seeing such a highly decorated example and I’m sure that it will create quite a buzz when it comes up!
Crested ware 1905-1914
Doulton is not usually associated with manufacturing crested ware where names such as Arcadian and Goss are familiar, and examples are not easy to find owing to its short production run at the start of the 20th Century. The majority of pieces were made for the Australian market but examples of British towns and cities exist too. Here are two unusual British examples!
Perhaps you have other examples? If so, why not share them on our Facebook page – Doulton Collectors Group!
Another collecting them for Doulton figures is the band of figures in elaborate, powdered wigs.
With Doulton’s re-newed association with the modeller Leslie Harradine (who was originally apprenticed to Doulton in Lambeth) from 1920, came the commercial success Doulton had sought for the previous decade. Harradine’s versatile style meant that every possible type of china figure was created – from miniature Dickens characters, to deco beauties, to the archetypal Victorian lady, to child studies – to name but a few themes.
However, during the roaring 1920’s with its synonymous flapper girls there was also a vogue for fancy dress balls, which explains why there are so many of these romantic figures wearing 17th and 18th Century costumes in the HN collection, during the 1920’s and 30’s.
These charming figures sit equally well with their contemporaries as they do with other Doulton figures from the deco period!
Perhaps you display your figures according to themes? If so, join our Facebook page ‘Doulton Collectors Club’ to share them with other collectors around the world!
doultoncollectorsclub 