Around the turn of the twentieth century Doulton and then Royal Doulton had a strong association with the Art Union of London, the latter operated much like a club subscription today whereby subscribers were offered exclusive access to works by leading artists and companies.
Such is the case with this outstanding Mark V. Marshall vase that is coming up at Bonhams 11.08.20 (lot108). Impressed with the all important MVM signature, it also carries assistant marks for Florrie Jones, together with the Royal Doulton stamp as well as ‘Art Union of London’ impressed into the base.
Standing an impressive 42cm, it really is an impressive piece with the MVM dragon design in relief around the top and a typical mottled blue Doulton Lambeth glaze to the rest of the body of the vase.
Time on your hands? Well what better way to pass some time than about the many prototypes in the Wiener collection on the WMODA website in Louise’s Highlights article The Art of Royal Doulton Figurines. Visit https://www.wmoda.com/the-art-of-royal-doulton-figurines/
This weekend would have been the launch of our exhibition and of course the Doulton, Beswick & Moorcroft fair @worldofwedgwood
Despite us postponing the event here is a glimpse into the story behind one of the star lots of the exhibition – this prototype figure based on a costume design by Leon Bakst! His designs influenced not only figures themselves but also decorating styles with many early 20s figures featuring his style of sharply contrasting fabric designs.
This prototype lady from 1938 was subsequently remodelled as you can see from this b&w image. Aside from the elaborate modelling on this lady, perhaps her rather voluptuous figure was deemed inappropriate for the period and hence why she wasn’t produced!
Collectors will not be surprised to see the Beggars Opera series well represented as part of the Stage and Screen section of the exhibit! Here is Captain Macheath together with an advert for its revival! Harradine based all the figures I. This the first set of #RoyalDoulton figures faithfully on the original costume designs by Claude Lovat Fraser!
To see this and many other examples of inspiration behind #RoyalDoulton characters come along Sunday 5th April for our fair and launch of our #Reflections exhibition @worldofwedgwood
Few faces need less introduction than this lady….and here she is slightly adapted as Pirouette HN 2216 from 1959 by Peggy Davies! To see this and many other examples of inspiration behind #RoyalDoulton characters come along Sunday 5th April for our fair and launch of our #Reflections exhibition @worldofwedgwood
This Pieperhoff illustration provided the inspiration for the lovely Tinkle Bell HN 1677! To see this and many other examples come along Sunday 5th April for our fair and launch of our #Reflections exhibition @worldofwedgwood
Maytime HN 2113 is another example of a classic #RoyalDoulton figure inspired by a card or calendar design. To see this and many other examples come along Sunday 5th April for our fair and launch of our #Reflections exhibition @worldofwedgwood
Even national treasures such as this Frith painting have inspired #RoyalDoulton artists. Here is the result Dolly Varden HN 1514.
To see this and many other inspirations behind the figure, join us Saturday 4th for a special collectors dinner (RSVP only) and Sunday 5th April 2020 for the Fair and to enjoy more #Reflections throughout April @WorldofWedgwood
Hollywood glamour also inspired many figures over the decades in the #RoyalDoulton studios! Here is Jeanette Macdonald and her china doppelgänger Barbara! Join us Saturday 4th for a special collectors dinner (RSVP only) and Sunday 5th April 2020 for the Fair and to enjoy more #Reflections throughout April @WorldofWedgwood