COLLECTED WORKS

from Dales Life Summer 2022

DALES DIARY

Beswick figurines

he Beswick pottery was founded in 1894 in Stoke-on-Trent. Originally the factory produced tableware and ornaments, and it wasn’t until the eve of the Second World War that they started making the high quality animal figurines with which the name is now synonymous. Nowadays the Beswick brand belongs to Dartington Crystal, which continues to produce figurines under the Beswick name. Classic Beswick pieces are enthusiastically sought after on the secondhand collectables market. Jane Tennant, Director of Tennants and a specialist in Beswick figurines, has kindly selected and commented on some examples of classic Beswick that have gone under the hammer at the Leyburn auction house. “From 1939 onwards Beswick started modelling horses, with Arthur Gredington as the firm’s first full-time modeller,” says Jane.

Beswick Arab ‘Xayal’, rocking horse grey gloss. Sold by Tennants for £2,800.

Beswick Belted Galloway Bull, black and white gloss. Sold by Tennants for £800. Beswick Black Bass, brown and dark green gloss. Sold by Tennants for £90.

Beswick Beatrix Potter ‘Mrs. Rabbit’ first version, small size, umbrella out. Sold by Tennants for £600. Beswick Gamecock, brown, teal green, cream and red gloss, and Beswick Leghorn Cockerel, teal green, red, orange and yellow gloss. Sold by Tennants for £200.

“Initially Beswick released horses in chestnut and rocking horse grey. Other colours were added later, at which point Beswick dropped the earlier colourways, making them scarcer at auction today. They even made a blue gloss example, but I have yet to see one – readers should keep their eyes peeled! Rocking horse grey models always achieve good prices, especially when in good condition.

“Mounted figures, such as the cowboy shown here, are amongst the more popular Beswick items. However they are more complex and intricate in their design and consequently prone to damage and less commonly found in good condition.

“Figurines of cattle have sold well over the years, with buyers mainly in the agricultural sector. The models are based on champion stock, so have well-known names. Models with long production runs are quite common and don’t command a premium but more specialist breeds such as Belted Galloways and Shorthorns are more keenly sought after at auction.

“These charming Red Friesian cattle figurines illustrated here were produced in very small numbers for the Beswick Collectors Club and issued in 1992. Prices have fluctuated over the years but dedicated collectors are willing to pay substantial prices for such rarities.

“Interest in Beswick tends to focus on the animal kingdom, and within that on British wildlife or domestic animals. In 1948, however, Beswick secured the right to reproduce a range of Beatrix Potter characters. These figurines are also very collectable, with the earliest models proving to be the most popular.”

For more information about Tennants Auctioneers, or to arrange a valuation, visit tennants.co.uk or call 01969 623780.

Beswick Canadian Mounted Cowboy, palomino gloss. Sold by Tennants for £380.

Beswick Red Friesian Bull, limited edition of 129, Red Friesian Cow, limited edition of 130, and Red Friesian Calf, limited edition of 132, all in brown and cream gloss. Sold by Tennants for £4,100.

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