By Robert Churchill | Ceramics Consultant
The demand for Beswick pottery animals is soaring to new heights at auction as the world celebrates its passion for all creatures great and small.
John Beswick Ltd, formerly J W Beswick, was a pottery manufacturer, founded in 1894 by James Wright Beswick and his sons John and Gilbert in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent. It was chiefly known for producing high-quality porcelain figurines such as farm animals and Beatrix Potter characters and these have become highly sought in the collectables market.
Consequently, a scarce grazing Shire Horse, found in a good private Beswick collection boasting several rare examples, exceeded all expectations under the hammer. Despite some minor restoration, it galloped to £800 in Hansons’ February Antiques and Collectors Auction – six times its £120-£150 guide.
Shire horses were in hot demand because two Beswick Dapple Shire Horses (model 818) one restored and one with a broken and detached rear leg, made £460 from a £100-£120 guide. Equestrian passions also saw a Beswick horse and jockey achieve £110 from a £60-£80 guide.
Dogs were also in demand. A Beswick Fireside Old English Sheepdog advertising Dulux paint hammered at £160, well above its £120 top estimate. Meanwhile two Beswick Fireside Golden Labradors (model 2314) made £90 from a £30-40 estimate and a Beswick Fireside Dalmatian (model 2271) together with a Beswick Fireside Alsatian (model 2410) made £100 from a £30-£40 estimate, despite small cracks.
Turning to wild animals, two Beswick Fireside Foxes (model 2348) achieved £150 from a £20-£30 estimate. Again bidders were undeterred by a crack and restoration.
Though demand for Beswick was particularly notable, it is far from the only manufacturer to excite collectors. Bidding was also strong for a 19th Century porcelain teapot and cover, decorated with boating and fisherman scenes. It sold for five times its £50-£60 guide to hammer at £400.
Another lot to smash its estimate was an early 20th century Royal Crown Derby plate paired with a 20th century Oriental vase with floral and pink colourway/design. They achieved £290 from a £40-£60 guide.
In addition, three early to mid 20th Century Meissen porcelain plates, highlighted as quality items by Hansons’ connoisseur ceramics consultant Gill Finney, also sold above estimate at £460 pounds.
My personal favourite, a Doulton Tam O’Shanter Khaki Bulldog also soared above estimate to hammer at £420 pounds, despite having some restoration.
Ceramics invited for auction
Ceramic entries are invited for monthly auctions. Email: [email protected] or call 01283 733988 to book a free valuation.
