| The CRYPT Mag |
In the world of Ceramic Animal figures, one company stood head and shoulders above the rest. John Beswick potteries made a wide selection of wares, but it is their exceptional animal figures that they are famed for. The older readers will remember a pair of Spanial dogs .. Known as "Mantle Dogs - Staffordshire dogs - or Wally Dugs" which graced many homes in the 40's/ 50's. Or perhaps the set of 3 flying Mallard Ducks that graced the home of Stan & Hilda Ogden ..All made famous by "Beswick"
Click to EnlargeThe John Beswick Studios produces animal ceramic figurines, figurines based on cartoon characters, and from July 1998 have once again begun producing the Beatrix Potter range of chracters.
Collectors have always been attracted to Beswick due to the fun nature of many of the figurines, and the quality of the sculptures. There has always been interest in the Beatrix Potter range and the TV and cartoon character tie-ins are increasing the awareness in Beswick figurines.
The John Beswick Pottery was established in 1894 at Loughton, Stoke-on-Trent. Initially producing tableware and ornaments, and only later in the 1930s turning to animal modelling notably for famous racehorses and champion dogs. The studio became renowned as the finest for animal figures. The studio also produced a range of whimsical figures of animals in with human expressions and in human poses.
In 1948 the company began producing characters from the Beatrix Potter story books. It was John Beswick himself who first received the rights to reproduce the characters and 1997 marked the 50th year that Beswick and Royal Doulton have been producing Beatrix Potter figures. The initial range produced in 1948 consisted of 10 figures. The first piece created by chief modeller Arthur Gredington was Jemima Puddle-Duck, which was released along with 9 other characters, including the ever popular Peter Rabbit.
Click to EnlargeThese were an immediate success, and realising that animated characters could make excellent figures produced Zimmy the Lion (this was created by David Hand who worked on several Disney features such as Snow White and Bambi). In 1952 Beswick began its Disney range with Mickey Mouse, and later in 1968 produced a series of Winnie the Pooh figures. These figures are extremely sought after today. The Royal Doulton Group bought Beswick in 1969. However it is the older range of Beswick figures that command the highest prices.
Click to EnlargeIan c Fyvie
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