Ceramics

Rarely do 19th century Staffordshire figures feature among the top-selling lots at auction these days but two bare-fist boxing champions did just that.

The full fall-out from the record-breaking Dr John P Driscoll sale of British studio ceramics is yet to be understood.

A round-up of art and antiques news from the previous seven days, including news that Hepworth Wakefield bought a work by studio potter Magdalene Odundo.

The Aynsley factory’s reputation for good quality, unadventurous bone china tea and coffee wares made it the safe choice for many British households.

Rose and Gallichan sale reflects pioneering spirit of a duo fascinated by late 19th century design.

When Phillips held an auction in London on November 10 in association with Maak Contemporary Ceramics of selections from the collection of Dr John P Driscoll, it produced a number of record-breaking prices for Hans Coper (1920-81) and ended with a new auction high for the studio potter of £520,000 (ATG No 2518).

Appeal of Weston Hall contents particularly enhanced by 20th century occupants

In the collectable ceramics market colour can count for a lot.

Research shed light on the ‘Chelsea toys’ made by the mysterious ‘Girl on a Swing’ factory.

A film of artist potter Clarice Cliff’s (1899-1972) early life is now at cinemas and available via streaming services.

Amassed by the headmaster of one of Britain’s finest public schools, the Silk collection of Staffordshire portrait figures provides a fillip to an overlooked market

In Fairs, Markets & Centres in ATG No 2516 we featured a story about 'The Venus of Meudon', a 1.9m tall sculpture by the Dadaist sculptor Jean Arp. Owned by dealers Karin and John Haines, it stands in a commanding spot at the Melford Antiques, Interiors and Lifestyle Centre in Suffolk.

A dab hand at Christmas shows, Andrew Singleton of Suffolk House Antiques in Yoxford has held one annually for over 25 years.

Rounding off the Wedgwood section of Skinner’s December 3 auction of European Furniture and Decorative Arts is a small selection of Fairyland lustre ware.

On December 2 Australian auction firm Shapiro will be offering the collection of Spode blue and white earthenwares assembled over the past 25 years by Russell Brooks. The majority were purchased in first 15 years mainly in England but also in Australia.

Records were set for studio pottery when the collection of the late New York art dealer Dr John P Driscoll was sold last week.

Pictured here are two early English pottery tankards – both of them documentary pieces.

Among the best-performing lots at the Woolley & Wallis (25/12% buyer’s premium) Ceramics & Glass sale was a rare Wedgwood black basalt seal.