CERAMIC FIGURES

 

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.

CERAMIC FIGURES

 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.

Early days

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

As the 19th century progressed,commemorative ware became more widely available, owing to ever- improving production and distribution methods.

 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. 

CERAMIC FIGURES

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

 

Cult of personality

Many enthusiasts focus on a particular politician. Others choose a style of representation, such as comical and satirical items. 

CERAMIC FIGURES

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

Sir Winston Churchill is perhaps the most collected British political figure. As so many items were made and kept in good condition, examples can be bought for less than £100. Rarer examples command more - a SylvaC bust to mark Churchill's death in 1965 might sell for around ±200-300.

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.

 

CERAMIC FIGURES    Top Tips

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.

Spoils of war

 

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.