Past Events
UKI Ceramics Summer Collecting Extravaganza 2007
A long queue had formed by the time the doors opened at this lively fair organised specially for Royal Doulton Bunnykins, Coalport Snowman and Beswick collectors. First to arrive were collectors from Kent who had a wide ranging set of interests but, as usual, enthusiasts travelled from all parts of the UK. Nick Tzimas, Managing Director of UKI Ceramics Ltd expressed his personal thanks, saying, “Thank you to all collectors who took the time to come along to this annual Event and to all the specialist dealers for supporting it. It was great to see so many people – to renew old acquaintances and to see new faces – but most of all share in your enthusiasm and passion for ceramics.”
Beswick
Amongst the wares on offer for Beswick collectors was the Bream Fish commissioned by UKI Ceramics Ltd - the follow up to last year’s Koi Carp. The Bream is issued in a limited edition of 500 and was pre-released at the Event. Modeller Robert Tabbenor was on hand to talk to collectors about his work and how he managed to create such an impressive and realistic model since Bream tend to feed on the bottom of rivers and so are hard to spot naturally.
There were some interesting pieces of Beswick for sale - including the Blues and Royals which had sold for £700 and a Goat – rare because the horns were still in perfect condition. On another stand there was a set of four characters from the David Hand Animaland collection. Joining Ginger Nutt, Felia Cat and Hazel Nutt was Oscar Ostrich – and the dealer had only seen this once before in 17 years, so it was quite a find for someone at the fair. The David Hand characters were made between 1949 and 1955 and were all modelled by Arthur Gredington.
Royal Doulton
There were many Royal Doulton dealers at the fair with impressive displays of Bunnykins on the stalls to tempt potential purchasers.
A wide variety of activities took place during the day. Shane Ridge was on hand to sign examples of the Pearly King and Queen Bunnykins – the Event special - and Caroline Dadd chatted to collectors about her designs for characters as diverse as Bunnykins, Disney characters, Fairies and Snowman. Caroline also developed the designs for the collection of World War II Character Jugs which are available from UKI Ceramics Ltd and modelled by Robert Tabbenor.
The Royal Doulton International Collectors Club stand was inundated throughout the day as collectors tried their hand at various competitions including guess the weight of a Saggar (formerly used to protect ware in the kiln) and how many parts in a Bunnykins mould. Spot questions with the first correct answer winning a small prize were also held. The winner of the draw for the gilded Girl Guide Bunnykins was Karen Hallam, and she was absolutely delighted with her unique prize.
Helen Wilson and John Barker from Staffordshire Scouts came along for some of the day and they were very impressed with the Scouting Bunnykins collection.
The auction was eagerly anticipated as there were two pairs of special colourways of Pearly King and Queen Bunnykins to be sold. Competition was brisk for the lots as bids had been received from all over the world but there was also an exciting battle within the room. The first pair were in black costume but with different coloured pearly buttons and they sold for a breathtaking £2000.
But a world record was made by the second pair, they were in grey costume and like the first model all the 400 buttons had been individually painted by hand by decorative designer, David Capewell. The pair realised an incredible £3,400.00
Snowman
The stalls offered a good selection of retired Snowman pieces to tempt collectors and Snowman Designer, Caroline Dadd, chatted to collectors about how she comes up with ideas for this lovable character. She also signed purchases of the Event special and other Snowman figures.
The date for the 2009 fair at the Staffordshire Showground is Sunday 7th June. Look out for further details on specials, activities and timings early in 2009.
