Ceramics

Staged in England from medieval times through to the early 19th century, bear baiting provided a popular theme in ceramic art in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Stoneware vases and jugs from the famed Martin Brothers also show their sense of style and character

Two English Delftware plates, described on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow a decade ago as “as rare as you can get”, went under the hammer at Woolley & Wallis (26% buyer’s premium) on February 5.

Elaborate cruet frames from the pre-revolutionary period stand out in a traditional sale selection

Shortly after the production of the first batch of his jasperware abolitionist medallion, Josiah Wedgwood sent a package to Benjamin Franklin with a covering letter dated February 1788 saying: “I embrace the opportunity to inclose [sic] for the use of your Excellency and friends, a few Cameos on a subject I am happy to acquaint you is daily more and more taking possession of men’s minds on this side of the Atlantic as well as with you.

A key work by the Anglo-German studio potter Hans Coper (1920-81) has been found in a garden in London.

Estimated at £200-300 but sold for £4200 at Charterhouse (25% buyer’s premium) in Sherborne, Dorset, were two design books from the Royal Doulton workshop floor.

Teacher turned designer was part of the Royal Doulton team creating some of the first HN figures

Sir Bruno Welby (b.1928), a member of both the English Ceramic Circle and the French Porcelain Society, has bought European porcelain since the 1950s.

The Sir Bruno Welby collection (see main story in this edition) sold at Woolley & Wallis shone the spotlight on two familiar names from the early English porcelain literature: Jefferyes Hamett O’Neale (1719/20-97) and Fidelle Duvivier (1740-after 1796).

Susan Pickett, a retired community nurse from Cornwall, is vice-chairman of The Daniel Ceramic Circle. Her own collection of items made by the H&R Daniel manufactory began when she was looking for a plate to fit a space on a dresser. One piece soon became three, which later became more than 200.

Daisy Makeig-Jones’ lustre designs for Wedgwood arrived at precisely the right time.

Many of the pieces will go to the Far East after London auction held by Alistair Gibson

This group of three Meissen models of hares ranges in size from 3in (7cm) to 6in (16cm).