Rare Victorian Staffordshire Pottery amassed by an enthusiast who penned a book about his passion will come to auction in March.
The Stephen Duckworth Collection features 15 figures, some of which are referenced in his book, Victorian Staffordshire Pottery Religious Figures – Stories on the Mantelpiece. They will be offered in Hansons Auctioneers’ Connoisseur Staffordshire Figures Auction on March 11.
Mr Duckworth said: “I began collecting seriously in the 1970s but at the end of the 1950s, when I was at university, the Church of England dean of my college had a couple of John Wesley figures on his mantelpiece. As a Methodist I thought I should emulate this.
“I managed to find two Wesley figures of my own, the most expensive of which was two pounds ten shillings. After a few false starts on proper collecting, I realised religious figures were a niche subject that no-one else seemed very interested in. This allowed me to assemble quite a large collection at reasonable cost.
“It wasn’t until I retired in the new millennium that the idea of a full catalogue in a book which would also tell the social history of the figures became a project, and then a reality.”
Lots set for auction include a rare Staffordshire portrait figure of Jesus with a crown of thorns and bound wrists, circa 1860s, estimate £60-90, and two Staffordshire figures of Rebekah and Abraham’s servant, based on a painting by Horace Vernet of the same subject (Genesis 24:18), circa 1860s, £60-£90.
One of the most important lots in The Stephen Duckworth Collection features a pair of Staffordshire figures of Moody and Sankey. Dwight Lynam Moody (1837-99) was an American evangelist who visited England in 1873 and 1883 with Ira Sankey (1840-1908), an American gospel singer. The figures, circa 1873, have a guide price of £500-£600.
Mr Duckworth’s items are among 200 lots in the March auction. All have been sourced from private collections and include pottery from the late Dennis Silk Collection, the Joe Mottashed collection, the Alan Sturrock Collection and the John Young Collection.
Gillian Finney, Hansons’ connoisseur ceramics consultant and sale curator says: “This auction brings together a magnificent array of exceptionally rare pieces of Staffordshire Pottery. It’s a wonderful opportunity for keen collectors, or new fans of Staffordshire wares, to add to their collections.
“With Easter fast approaching it’s also particularly timely to offer the religious figures now.”
The Connoisseur Staffordshire Figures Auction will be held on March 11 from 9.30am. Browse the catalogue at www.hansonslive.co.uk – due live March 4/5.
All enquiries
For condition reports, viewing enquiries, collections and despatch queries contact Gill Finney at [email protected] or 07410 131198. Viewing and collections by appointment at 3 John Street, Biddulph, Staffordshire.
