A unique and historically significant set of five rare Briglin pottery figures, originally conceived as part of an ambitious mid-century collaboration between the worlds of ceramics and celebrity, will go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers’ Derby 20th Century Modern Art & Design Auction on the 13th June 2025.
This extraordinary set—Lot 4 in the sale—was designed in 1959 by renowned sculptor Susan Parkinson for Briglin Pottery of London, commissioned by celebrated actor Herbert Lom, who at the time was the partner of Briglin founder Brigitte Goldschmidt.
Briglin Pottery, established in 1948 by Goldschmidt and Eileen Lewenstein, operated from London’s Baker Street before relocating to Crawford Street in 1952 following a fire. The studio became well known for its tin-glazed earthenware, ornaments, and functional wares, employing up to 15 staff at its peak and running until its closure in 1990.
The concept behind the figure series was revolutionary for its time. Lom reached out to prominent stage and screen figures—including Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, Margot Fonteyn, John Gielgud, Paul Robeson, Alec Guinness, and Maria Callas—to create a limited-edition run of sculpted portraits in ceramic form. All agreed to the project, with production set to be limited to just 100 sets of seven figures.
However, the plan proved to be more ambitious than viable. The cost of producing the figures quickly escalated. Lom was unwilling to raise retail prices to offset the increase, and so the series was halted during the production of the fifth figure—Paul Robeson. As a result, only five of the planned seven figures were ever produced, and it is believed that only six Robeson figures were made before production ceased entirely.
The Robeson figure featured in Hansons’ upcoming sale is thought to be the sixth and final piece ever made, making this complete set of five exceptionally rare.
Rob Churchill, Hansons’ Ceramics Specialist, commented:
“This collection is truly a crossroads of celebrity, design, and mid-century studio pottery. To find a full set of five, including the elusive Paul Robeson figure, is incredibly rare. It’s a privilege to bring a piece of Briglin’s most ambitious project to market—these figures are not just decorative, they are cultural artefacts.”
The set is estimated at £5,000–£8,000 and is expected to draw significant interest from collectors of studio pottery, theatre memorabilia, and mid-century design.
Discover More at Hansons
Hansons Auctioneers invites collectors, enthusiasts, and consignors to visit its Derbyshire saleroom in Etwall for free valuations. Rob Churchill and Gillian Finney are available to advise on all aspects of ceramics, from 20th-century design to traditional English porcelain.
For those looking to sell ceramics, there are several ways to get in touch: by emailing [email protected] for reception enquiries, or directly contacting Rob Churchill at [email protected], or Gillian Finney at [email protected]. Alternatively, they can be reached by calling reception on 01283 733988.
For those wishing to buy ceramics, Hansons holds monthly auctions, as well as fine art and 20th Century Modern Art & Design sales, many of which feature ceramics by various manufacturers. Full details can be found on the company’s website, www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk.
Auction Details
Auction: Derby June 20th Century Modern Art & Design Auction
Auction date: 13th June 2025 | 9.30am
Location: Hansons Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
