Porcelain Figures

This figurine (centre) is one of the Royal Doulton’s range of porcelain figures known as Pretty Ladies. They depict women in beautiful costumes from historical times to the present day and are painted in rich jewel colours. They have been highly collectible since the range was launched in 1913.

They are all marked on the underside with the factory name, their title and a HN number. HN stands for Harry Nixon, head of the Royal Doulton painting department, who joined the company in 1900. Although some of the range remained in production for years, others were soon discontinued, thus adding to their value.

Second-hand prices for these figures have recently hit an all-time low – as low as £10! So if they tickle your fancy, now is a perfect time to buy.

The Bather Surprised by Royal Worcester

(left), circa 1912, is made of glazed porcelain and stands around 60cm tall. Modelled by Sir Thomas Brock, the semi-clad female rests on a tree stump standing on a gilded base. In perfect condition with no damage, restoration or rubbing to the gilding, it’s worth around £600. Nella (right), a 1930s Italian Lenci figurine, epitomises the playful, evocative style of the factory. Lenci was a doll and ceramics factory set up in 1919 by Elena and Enrico

Scavini.

Lenci is the acronym for the Latin motto ‘Ludus est nobis constanter industria’, meaning ‘Play is constant work’. This motto seems to permeate their work.

We sold Nella in our July auction in Beverley. Despite lacking the fingers on one hand and having several chips, this figure stunned the sale room and went back home to her birthplace in Italy for £2,400.