Ceramics

In the hierarchy of Royal Worcester fruit painters Frank Roberts (1857-1920) comes close to the top.

MADAM – I hope your readers can help me track down a few items. I am trying to find some old Wedgwood Flaxman chess pieces from about 1825-70. I have been trying to complete this set for more than 40 years.

At the very beginning of July, Adam Partridge in Liverpool sold an early 20th century Spode cup and saucer to a highly desirable ‘liner china’ pattern for £8400.

This 12in (39cm) Portobello pottery plaque piece, c.1820, is a rare piece but one known in a number of different colour variations.

MADAM – I have written on a previous occasion to the ATG in my capacity as president of the Staffordshire Figure Association and on behalf of its members, and indeed others who buy (or, should I say, would like to buy) Staffordshire figures at auction.

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Kate Davson (Kate Foster), who died peacefully at home last month of cancer at the age of 82.

This Minton majolica figure of a 12in (30cm) dancing bear playing a drum kit carries a patent lozenge for May 1876.

This Martin Brothers stoneware model of a tortoise with a mirthful face was a very welcome discovery for auctioneer Rupert Toovey on a post-lockdown valuation in the Surrey Hills.

Edward Haughey, Baron Ballyedmond (1944-2014) – the founder of the Norbrook pharmaceutical group in Northern Ireland – proved just as influential in the world of politics as he was in business.

Around the year 1904, during the Second Period of Belleek production in Fermanagh, Ulster, designer William Harris designed the Five O’Clock pattern.

This Meissen porcelain teapot from c.1722 will feature in the sale series to be held by Hargesheimer of Dusseldorf from September 10-12.

Two traditional drinking vessels brought surprising toasts to European craftsmen at Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood (23% buyer’s premium) in Exeter.

A format increasingly popular with dealers can help ‘enhance the understanding of objects’

Pictured here are three good examples of Worcester hard-paste porcelain from the early decades of the 19th century – at which time there was a trio of factories operating in the city.

Pair thought to be Derby are rated as Gilbody rarities by specialist and dealer who competed

This framed porcelain plaque marked 'KPM' and measuring 15½ x 10in (39 x 25cm) is painted with La Chocolatière after the painting by the Swiss artist Jean-Etienne Liotard.