CERAMIC FIGURES
made
to commemorate outstanding personalities and events, provide a
revealing record of the landmarks of British history and popular
attitudes of the time, as well as
Britain
has a long tradition of producing ceramics to commemorate political
and military figures and events.
Many examples, particularly from the
late 20th century, can be found in auctions, antique shops, and
collectors' fairs. For older and rarer pieces, specialist dealers and
auctions are likely to prove more fruitful. Prices range from about
£15 up to around £1,000, with most items costing less than £200.
Mass
production of commemorative ceramics was made possible by the
development of transfer decoration techniques in the late 18th
century. Early pieces are scarce and valuable, generally selling for
upwards of £500. Even blemished items can be costly: a mug with
minor damage marking the 1832 Reform Bill might go for around £300.
CERAMIC FIGURES |
In the late 1800s a number of
notable personalities were featured, including prime ministers such
as Disraeli and Gladstone. Items relating to Gladstone in particular
are fairly common, and some can be picked up for around .£25. Rarer
pieces in prime condition can be worth more: a Burgess & Leigh
plaque dating from around 1898 can fetch £200-400.
Wallis
Gimson octagonal plates showing Victorian politicians and
personalities are popular.
They often sell for more than £100, but
pieces can be found for less at fairs and auctions in mixed lots. The
production technique will usually affect price: monochrome pieces can
be worth around £30-50, whereas many coloured versions in top
condition
Many
enthusiasts focus on a particular politician. Others choose a style
of representation, such as comical and satirical items.
Especially
sought after are 1930s ashtrays by the political cartoonist David
Low, which can raise £50-300, depending on the image. Toby and
character jugs are also of interest. A 1940s Neville Chamberlain jug
by Lancaster will generally cost around £40-60.
CERAMIC FIGURES |
A
more recent figure, whose commemorative ware has the potential to
rise in value, is Margaret Thatcher. A-Caverswall limited-edition
plate made for her election as Prime Minister in 1979 can be worth
between £50 and £70, and a goblet from the 500-piece edition by
Coalport for her second election victory in 1983 can cost around
£100.
m
Focus on good-quality, attractive pieces with limited runs by
renowned makers, as these are likely to hold their value.
- Invest in current figures or events that-you think may be collectable in the future.
- Examine the corners of all square or octagonal plates carefully, as they are-vulnerable to damage.
Learn
to recognise significant past politicians.
Since
the early 19th century, objects have been produced to mark major
wars
or campaigns. Early pieces, often satirical in nature, can raise
£300-1,500 or more, but later
19th-century (most notably Boer War)
and 20th-century items are generally more accessible.
A-great many
World War I pieces were issued in honour of important generals.
These
are often of lesser interest as many of the men are no longer well
known. During World War-II, fewer ceramics were commissioned as the
production of decorative ware was largely curtailed. Items
commemorating major battles or campaigns, such as the battle of
Britain, or key figures, such as Field Marshall Montgomery, tend to
be the most popular.
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