Royal Doulton is famed for the sheer range of its wares produced first of all in London and then in The Potteries.

Of all the wares produced, their seriesware designs still provide a wealth of new discoveries as hitherto unknown designs and variations emerge.

One such design is the New World Series Oceana, introduced in the early 20th century and withdrawn sometime around the end of WWI in 1918.

The scarcity of items discovered in this remote outback design is hard to fathom given the popularity of seriesware designs the world over; the sole explanation I can put forward is the subject matters‘ appeal was originally aimed at Australian collectors. Yet, even there so few examples have been discovered this design truly remains a rarity.

Fortunately the Royal Doulton design books shed much light on the products and ranges produced by the company, although one has to piece together some information as it is recorded in several ways from studio design books to copper plate design books etc… such was the case with the rediscovery of these images belonging to the New World Series Oceana.

It is indeed strange to associate camels with Australia but if you are unfamiliar with the history of this great country, camels were brought to Australia in 1840 to work in the arid regions. The unexpected subject matter may explain why so few examples in this design have been discovered, as we have simply not recognised the subject matter illustrated. Perhaps a more typical scene is on the other vase that features kangaroos being hunted.

In total there are 11 scenes that appear to belong to the New World Series Oceana and as is typical more that one scene can appear on an item e.g. the front and back of a vase.

As with all such rarities the search continues… what will be discovered next?

Charles Noke continued to experiment with glazes long after the departure of Cuthbert Bailey with whom he had perfected the Flambé glaze in the early 1900’s. And so in 1920 Sung was introduced, whereby painted decoration, colour and gilt are fused with the  flambé glaze. I am sure you will agree that early examples like the one illustrated are magnificent.

However, it is in the flesh that these pieces must be enjoyed to full effect as in this slide.

Vases, large and small were decorated with exotic birds, pixies in woodlands, fish in seascapes along with many other subjects. These pieces were painted principally by Harry Nixon, Arthur Eaton and Fred Moore.

Sung glazes can be found on Buddhas, as seen here in this advert from the 1920’s, a handful of suitable early figures from the HN range such as A Spook, as well as animals, in particular elephants, a favourite of Charles Noke.

Rare Sung vase featuring a bird of paradise and snake in combat!

This wonderful example of an Art Union piece is coming up later Lion and Unicorn Auctions this month.

Art Union of London

The presence of ‘Art Union of London’ on Doulton ware, indicates that it was produced in a series and specially selected for members of the Art Union, whose subscription brought them access to important art wares from many sources including Doulton. Both Lambeth and Burslem produced wares for the Art Union, although examples of Burslem pieces are much harder to find. Doulton began supplying items in 1885 through to the early 1900’s (approx. 1902) and typically their most celebrated artists such as Mark Marshall and Eliza Simmance provided the original designs. Despite these items not being one off pieces, prices for these marked ‘Art Union of London’ are in line with one off pieces by these major artists. 

Inspired by Lion and Unicorn’s latest offerings coming up June 23rd 2024, here is a look into the artist behind the piece!

The name Harry Allen will be familiar to many Doulton collectors because of his association with so many of Doulton’s most famous lines from Flambe, Sung, Titanian, figures and of course to the fantastic hand painted items by this great Doulton artist. 

The son of Robert Allen who himself led an art studio at Doulton in Burslem, Harry proved himself a versatile artist but he will be forever associated with his enchanting desert scene images carefully painted onto all manner of items from jugs to plates and everything in between!

When it comes to Titanian, few items can be a sought after as a peacock vase! Not only magnificent in size but the detail in painting is exceptional!

Joining us this Sunday at our event at the World of Wedgwood is Michael Doulton, who is the fifth-generation descendant of John Doulton, who founded the Royal Doulton company in 1815. He is often a guest at our special events and is always willing to share his vast knowledge on all things Royal Doulton as well as answering collectors’ questions!