It began in March 2019 with 18th century Derby and three figures from the enigmatic ‘Girl on a Horse’ or ‘Compass’ factory’ (see ATG No 2384). Rice’s Rockingham holdings were sold in June followed in September by 19th century English porcelain animals.
All three ‘collections within a collection’ had spawned key reference works, from Rockingham Ornamental Porcelain (1965) to Derby Porcelain: The Golden Years, 1750- 70, published in 1983.
Porcelain ‘toys’ and miniatures that had featured in Rice’s final books Cats In English Porcelain of the 19th Century (2002) and Dogs In English Porcelain of the 19th Century (2003) were included in Gorringe’s ‘live online’ sale held on April 20.
A Staffordshire porcelain ‘toy’ cat, c.1830 – £300 at Gorringe’s.
Around 30 canine and feline models were offered across 13 lots – most carrying hopes of under £100. Pictured above and top are two of the most desirable single figures, both rarities made in Staffordshire, c.1830-50.
The 2in (5cm) high cat with an arched back standing on a cushion sold at £300 while the 3in (7.5cm) high figure of a black poodle brought £320.
