Doulton Figurines

 




Doulton figures were one of

Doulton  Figurines

the company's most popular products, and are prized today. At one extreme are the fair ladies', with their flounced petticoats and crinolines; at the other, the earthier charms of town criers and fictional Despite having produced a few decorative figures in the late 19th century, it was not until the 1920s that Royal Doulton began in earnest to release the pieces that have become so popular with collectors today. The range now numbers more than 2,000 different figures

Slender and small

Posed in expressive, carefree, or romantic postures, Doulton ladies can be found for less than ,£50 or as much as several thousand pounds, depending on the model, date, and colour. Some enthusiasts choose to collect by colour, others by modeller - certain modellers being well known for particular themes. As well as the fair ladies',other popular topics include children and historical and literary personalities.

Doulton  Figurines

Miniature figurines, launched in 1932 and again in 1988, are also popular, especially for those with limited space. Two of the most sought after series are the miniature Charles Dickens characters and fair ladies'. Some of these pieces have a rarity value and can command prices close to or greater than prices for the larger models.The numbers game

Values tend to he high for early figures, dating from the 1920s and 30s,

and for those produced for limited periods of only a year or so. Every year,

Doulton  Figurines

Royal Doulton announces a list of figures to be withdrawn from production - a practice that was started just before World War II. When the first withdrawals were announced, many of the designs affected had been made in runs of fewer than 2,000, which makes them valuable today. A good example is Harry Fenton's The Newhaven Fishwife', produced from 1931-37.

Prices have fallen for more common figurines, or those that were produced recently. Collectors should focus on earlier or rare examples, and look out for variations, which can be desirable.

Doulton  Figurines

A knowledge of colour variations is essential when deciding whether to buy or sell a Royal Doulton figure. A good example is Leslie Harradine's'Paisley Shawl'. If she is numbered HN1392, she will be wearing a red shawl and may fetch up to £100. If numbered HN1707, she will have a much rarer purple shawl, and can be worth up to one and a half times as much.

In Doulton's wake

Other makers produced similar decorative figures.

Doulton  Figurines

Wade issued a series of Art Deco dancing ladies in flowing gowns. The finish of these pieces was prone to flaking, so it is hard to find them in mint condition. Prices for Wade are generally low, which makes this a good place to look for stylish Art Deco figures for less than £100.

Arcadian produced a range of fair ladies' along the same lines as Royal Doulton. Slightly less well modelled, but just as colourful, examples can be found for about £50 or less.

Doulton  Figurines   Top Tips

Know your numbers. Most  Doulton figurines can be identified from the 'HN' number on the base. Miniatures made between 1932 and 1949 have an 'M' number instead, and sometimes the words 'Doulton England' instead of the standard factory mark.

• Look for unusual colours. Some can fetch a premium, so even if you have one of the more common figures, find out if you have a rare colour.
• Use backstamps for dating. Backstamps that include a printed name refer to the designer of the original figure, and these figures nearly always date from after 1984.
• To prevent damage, do not stand figures too close together.