Royal Doulton Figurines

A majestic history

Want something Queen Victoria and King Edward loved? Her Majesty was so entranced by Henry Doulton's ceramic innovations in figurines, jugs, and tableware, that she knighted him in 1887. King Edward bestowed the Royal Warrant upon the family company in 1901 - a high compliment indeed.

From pots to hops

In 1815, John Doulton founded his pottery company in Lambeth, England. Utilitarian wares, from stoneware to sewer pipes, evolved into experiments with glazes, faience, impasto, silicon, carrara, marqueterie, chine, and rouge flambe. The second generation, including Sir Henry Doulton, moved into porcelain in the 1880s and a second factory in Burslem.

Charles Dickens and Shakespeare inspired figurines in the early 1900s. Children fell in love with the Bunnykins series introduced in 1933; over 150 Bunnykin scenes and figurines have been produced by artist Barbara Vernon.

How "royal" are they?

"Potted" pieces (pre-1939 origin) are considered highly valuable. Lion-marked (after 1920), limited production runs, and artist-signed pieces are also favored collectibles.

A new Bunnykins figurine goes for $45, and miniature ladies average $30. Graceful, sculpted horse figurines cost $100. Discontinued items can range from $50 to $700.

Almost all figurines are produced at the Burslem factory in England. Modern figures and wares continue with the high quality that earned the Royal Warrant: cornish stone, china clay, and calcined bone ash that results in a translucent but strong body. Exquisite details in molding and strong glaze colors are exemplified in the animal figurines.

A royal nod back

A commemorative figure of Princess Diana in the dress she wore to Portugal in 1987 has been released.