Produced in three colourways as HN 1909 and HN 1910 from 1939, and HN 1963 from 1941, Leslie Harradine’s Honey is one of a small number of figures introduced during WWII and which subsequently had a short production run.

Interestingly the pink version, HN 1909, is the most frequently found and the only one I have seen produced post war too, with a remodelled angle to her neck and different flowers too.

She is based upon this illustration by Stanislaus Longley, which incidentally was also used as a cover girl by high end retailer Liberty of London for this 1930s Christmas catalogue.

Honey HN 1910 and the Liberty Christmas catalogue mentioned.

As you can see Harradine altered the actual model from the illustration, as he frequently did, but it is one of a number of Longley designs which he derived inspiration for figures from.

Note the ‘HA 3’ on the base signifying that this is the third trial proposed and painted by Harry Allen.

If you would like to read more about the inspiration behind some of Royal Doulton’s most iconic figures, check out my book ‘Reflections’ online.

A sneak peek inside the latest issue of the DCC magazine! With regular contributions from worldwide authority Louise Irvine among others, you’re sure to enjoy each and every issue.

Here are a few more images from Issue 12 out now!

Join the Club via this link:

http://www.doultoncollectorsclub.co.uk

See you soon!

Carrara ware carries a special backstamp and is a stonewarewith a white matt glaze that imitates a dull marble effect. Early examples can be found featuring fine painting and gilding (ca. 1890’s).

An unusual lidded vase in Carrara.

Carrara ware is rare to find today but there are some impressive advertising pieces including the famous Mark Marshall seahorse or the Leslie Harradine bear that were produced to advertise this ware.

A group of Doulton advertising pieces including the polar bear mentioned and also an unusual scarab.

It was particularly popular in the architectural world in the early 20th Century and several buildings around the world have a Carrara ware façade, including the world famous Savoy Hotel in London.

A salvaged Doulton name plaque from an unknown building.

Bonzo

Of the early sets of Doulton animals the Bonzo character dogs from the 1920’s are some of the hardest to track down. In total there were six early dogs HN808-813 and seemingly very few were made. Created by George Studdy, his mischeaveous dog Bonzo became the star of comic strip, magazines and postcard! Extremely rare examples of Bonzo have been found mounted as finials or on alabaster desk accessories.

Bonzo appears in several colourways including a deep purple glaze, ivory with red or black buttons and a deep blue glaze among others. Due to the miniature size of the piece, he is typically just marked ‘DOULTON’ and occasionally the model number 868 to its base.

Our very special guest and host for our summer Royal Doulton collectors’ event over the weekend of 1-2 June 2019 will be Michael Doulton.

The theme this year is From Paper to Pottery – A Celebration of the Royal Doulton paper archive!

Michael will be available on Sunday 2nd to chat to collectors and also sign any purchases. On Saturday 1st he will host a special preview of the fair for members of the Doulton Collectors Club before we go to a special collectors’ dinner, followed by shopping of course!

Michael Douton is the 6th generation descendant of John Doulton who was the founder of Royal Doulton.

Michael has worked for Royal Doulton for over 40 years traveling around the world as brand Ambassador.

Michael hosts many Figurine and Royal Albert signing events in USA, Canada, Australia and China each year.

Don’t forget to visit us Sunday 3rd June at the World of Wedgwood!

Born in the heart of the Potteries Neil Welch’s talent to sculpt the human form has led to a range of high profile commissions, including Wedgwood’s and Doultons synonymous with their quality ceramics for over 250 years . Neil left school at the age of 16 with A grades in art and gained a two year apprenticeship at the New Victoria theatre as a stage set and props designer, here he discovered a love of sculpture which has never left him. At this time he also began to create his own unique sculptures. Self taught , in 1993 he was approached by Wedgwoods/ Coalport to become (in-house) ,where he stayed for the next seven years before becoming freelance in 2000. As a freelance sculptor Neil gained the total freedom of expression that he craved. 

 Neil has the uncanny ability to combine exquisite design with mood and feeling making his work truly special. Neil now aged 45, is currently showing his beautiful lifelike bronze sculptures in galleries all around the country where his work is becoming highly sought after. He also has 2 very successful figurative ranges of his own which he licenses to the giftware market. 

Come along this Sunday to meet Neil as well as Michael Doulton, our host and 6th generation descendant of Royal Doulton’s founder!

Personal Profile – Chris Jackson 

Born in Stoke on Trent in the Heart of ‘The Potteries’, Chris showed an interest in ceramics from a young age. He graduated art school in 1977 and immediately joined Royal Doulton as a trainee figure painter.

Having quickly mastered the skill of on-glaze painting he went on to train in the complex technique of under-glaze character painting. During the early part of his career, Chris worked on some of Royal Doulton’s most famous designs. Amongst his favourite early figures are Belle O’ the Ball, St George and Embroidering.  

In 2000 Chris became a team leader of the on-glaze figure painting and lithography department, and in 2003 moved to the design department as a decoration designer. As part of his current role, Chris designs the costumes for the ‘Pretty Lady’ and character figures, researching appropriate colours and details for each one. He also carefully hand paints each face with perfect precision ensuring every figure is full of personality, expression and detail.

Chris has travelled throughout the UK meeting collectors and giving painting demonstrations and has visited Japan on several occasions.

 When not designing figures Chris has many other interests from fell walking to refereeing the local county football teams. He is also a musician and plays the drums in a rock band.

Don’t forget, come along this Sunday to meet Chris, as well as Michael Doulton at the World of Wedgwood- details below!