A broad range of 20th century ceramics, including porcelain from the 1970s, excelled in September’s Derbyshire Antiques and Collectors Auction. Demand was strong for everything from hand-painted Royal Worcester to ceramic tea strainers. Among the top surprises was a collection of Foley tableware which made £480 from a low estimate of £30-£50, nearly 10 times its estimate.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “I am delighted to see 20th century ceramics achieving such strong results for our clients Quality porcelain will always appeal to collectors and new generations are recognised the beauty of both vintage and retro porcelain.
“These are the kind of items people receive as wedding or anniversary gifts and tuck away in sideboards, often for decades. It is lovely to see them winning greater appreciation among collectors and enticing new bidders inspired by the sheer diversity of ceramics.
Here, Hansons’ junior valuer Daniel Armstrong shares some of the most impressive results.
Royal Worcester winner
Lot 1025 – The artistry of John Freeman saw a splendid Royal Worcester plate from the second half of 20th Century, painted with fruit and signed “FREEMAN”, achieve £300 from a £150-250 guide.
1976 Royal Crown Derby in demand
Lot 1101, a Royal Crown Derby 1128 Pattern, low twin-handled dish dated 1976 delighted bidders despite being second quality. It soared to £320, triple its top guide of £70-100.
Tea strainers brew up bids
Lot 1078, a collection of 12 blue and white ceramic tea strainers appealed to collectors reaching £480 from a £80-£100 guide. They including an oval spoon-shaped strainer, the rest being circular, some with more design detail than the others and two with Willow-like patterns.
Foley tableware smashes estimate in style
Lot 1196, a Foley Pottery set of six cups, six saucers and six side plates in flower style design with elaborate brown design to yellow background achieved £480 from a humble estimate of £30-50.
Crowning glory
Lot 1094, a Royal Crown Derby ‘Royal Antoinette’ pattern part tea service including a teapot, milk jug, sugar basin and four cups and saucers comfortable surpassed its £400-600 estimate to reach £850.
