Colourful creations by one of Royal Doulton’s premier and most prolific 20th century figurine modellers swept to success at Hansons Auctioneers.
Cheerful compositions by Leslie Harradine (1887-1965), an artisan who carved a formidable reputation over 40 years with the famous Staffordshire-based pottery firm, appealed to bidders.
In particular demand was lot 447, Royal Doulton, Dreamland HN1473. The figure of a woman basking in relaxed fashion on a sofa achieved a hammer price of £1,500, well above its £800-£1,000 estimate. Meanwhile lot 448, Royal Doulton, A Wandering Minstrel HN 1224, achieved £800, matching its guide price.
The figures, which sold to private UK buyers in Hansons Auctioneers’ July 26-27 Fine Art, Collectors and Antiques Auction at Bishton Hall in Staffordshire, demonstrate a growing appeal for Harradine’s work according to the auction firm.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons, said: “The result for Dreamland was exceptional for a Royal Doulton figure and I am proud it achieved that price in Staffordshire, home to the Potteries and Royal Doulton itself.
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“Harradine’s designs have particular appeal for many collectors. They have a contemporary fun feel, despite being created in the first half of the 20th century. Harradine modelled Royal Doulton wares from the 1920s to 1950s, strictly on a freelance basis.
“He decided what he would make and sent them to the Burslem works. It’s said other designers and painters used to gather round eagerly when his monthly shipment was unpacked to see what he’d come up with this time.”
Other ceramics to do well in the Staffordshire sale included lot 390, three Beswick flying birds and nine boxed birds, £230, pictured above; lot 481, an early 19th century Wedgwood creamware jug and cover, £320, and lot 483, two 18th century Chinese export teapots, £150.
A strong jewellery section saw lot 47, a 20th century 18ct gold hinged bangle, achieve £1,450, pictured below. Gold in general is consistently excelling at auction and Hansons is working to expand this buoyant sector of the auction market.
Other eclectic wares to attract bidders included lot 522, a large Bohemian glass vase, £320; lot 566, 12 bottles of 1975 port, £250; lot 585, Cartier Pasha de Cartier boxed fountain pen plus two other pens, £400; lot 829, two Middle Eastern-style rugs, £800, and lot 1199, a signed Prosper Lecourtier (1851-1925) bronze of a tethered Bullmastiff, £440.
Entries are invited until August 25 for the Staffordshire Fine Art and Collectibles Auction on September 15-16. To arrange a FREE valuation or consignment, email Bishton Hall manager Mark Holder: [email protected].
