Antiques and potteries are our specialist subject matter at auction and we always know which items will fetch a good price at auction. You can also find out more on our specialist potteries page for examples of interesting lots sold at auction.
Get in touch if you have similar or unusual items that need a valuation.
Finally settled: What those signature colours actually mean, straight from the artist herself Lorna with one of her Rat Catchers, a limited edition 1 of 3 which sold for £110 in March 2025 For years, Lorna Bailey collectors have debated the significance behind the different coloured signatures adorning the bases of their treasured pieces. Black, …
October 2025 Tea Set Spotlight Whether you’ve inherited a family tea set or discovered Old Country Roses pieces in your cupboard, there’s significant value to be found. As the world’s best-selling fine china pattern for over 60 years, Royal Albert’s Old Country Roses remains highly sought after in auction houses and secondhand markets. Royal Albert, …
When we sat down with Lorna Reeves, editor of TeaTime Magazine, to discuss our inaugural Tea Set of the Month, the iconic Royal Albert Old Country Roses, we expected enthusiasm. What we got was a masterclass in why this particular pattern has captured hearts for generations. A design that defied the decades Old Country Roses …
Michael Sutty (1937-2003) established himself as Britain’s foremost sculptor of military porcelain figures during his four-decade career. Working primarily from the 1960s until his death, Sutty developed techniques for creating bone china figures of exceptional complexity. Established Stoke-on-Trent manufacturers initially considered them impossible to produce commercially. Background and Technique Sutty was largely self-taught. He developed …
When it comes to the golden age of Royal Doulton artistry, one name held in great esteem is Leslie Johnson. Active during the early 1900s through the 1920s, Johnson carved out a distinctive niche as one of Royal Doulton’s accomplished portrait artists, creating pottery pieces that continue to captivate collectors nearly a century later. Leslie …
Lorna Bailey’s distinctive cat figurines represent a quirky, pop culture-inspired moment in contemporary British ceramics. These vibrant, Art Deco-style works have captured the attention of collectors worldwide, with values that continue to appreciate following Bailey’s retirement from pottery production in 2008. A complete set of Lorna Bailey ’Catman and Bobbin’, sold for £380 Understanding the …
There’s a reason cottagecore has captured the imaginations of many in recent years. This lifestyle and design trend celebrates the charm of rural living, the romance of simpler times and the beauty of nature brought indoors. Think of an old stone cottage tucked into the British countryside, furnished with timeworn wooden tables, cosy upholstered chairs …
Few items of furniture carry the prestige and enduring appeal of the Chesterfield. With its deep buttoned upholstery, rolled arms and unmistakable silhouette, the Chesterfield is an icon of British design. For those looking to part with one, an auction house offers the perfect setting to find the right buyer and achieve strong prices. If …
For over a century, Wade Ceramics has held a special place in the hearts of pottery collectors. From Wade Whimsies to larger Art Deco figures, earthenware pieces and Gluggle Jugs, the Stoke-on-Trent manufacturer is synonymous with British ceramic charm. Yet among Wade Pottery’s output, one category stands above the rest in terms of rarity and …
In 1916, while the world was gripped by war, a Yorkshire doctor’s daughter named Daisy Makeig-Jones was creating fantasy worlds filled with dancing elves and mystical creatures. Her Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre pieces now command £800 to £50,000+ at auction, making them among the most sought-after ceramics of the 20th century. A Wedgwood Flame Fairyland lustre …
Moorcroft pottery is a name that’s synonymous with quality and distinctive style. Highly prized by collectors since the 1800s and still exceptionally popular today, you’ll find Moorcroft at auction in 90% of our sales. So when, after more than 100 years in business, Moorcroft Pottery announced that it would cease trading earlier this year, we …
Do you own Royal Worcester porcelain and wonder what it might fetch at auction? Whether inherited, collected or tucked away in storage, Royal Worcester china can often surprise owners with its desirability – and value – on the open market. But what exactly are collectors looking for? And what makes certain pieces more valuable than …
Potteries Auctions is delighted to bring a collection of works by Arthur Holland, a renowned Minton artist, to auction. The collection was consigned by the grandchildren of Holland. Arthur Holland’s youngest son had three children, Catherine, Thomas, and Mary. They lived near their grandfather in Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent, in the 1970s. Each inherited his hand-painted china …
When it comes to British pottery, few names shine as brightly as Susie Cooper. A pioneer in ceramic design whose career spanned more than seven decades, Cooper’s work bridged the gap between the traditional and the modern. Bringing colour, elegance and functionality into the homes of thousands, Susie Cooper pottery remains a symbol of The …
In the world of pottery, Anita Harris is a renowned British ceramic designer and decorator, best known for her vibrant, expressive glaze work and her role in reviving interest in hand-decorated pottery in the UK. Anita Harris began her ceramics career working with major names in British pottery. She honed her craft at Poole Pottery, …
Did you know that Queen Victoria survived eight assasination attempts during her reign? And if that wasn’t enough, being versed in five languages, a monarch at only 18, and having proposed to her own husband is sure to ruffle the feathers of any ‘Rennaisance’ man of her time. Robert Physick (1815–1880), Marble shoulder bust of …
Eric Ravilious, born in 1903, was a celebrated British watercolour painter, illustrator, mural artist, and engraver. His works captured the essence of mid-20th-century British life, and Eric Ravilious Wedgwood pieces remain highly coveted by collectors. As one of the most distinguished artists to work with the iconic pottery manufacturer, Eric Ravilious Wedgwood pieces are consistently …
Minton Pate-sur-Pate Demitasse Cup & Saucer, Pattern H5103: Sold for £240 Minton Pottery, established in 1793 in Stoke-on-Trent, is a name that echoes through the world of ceramics. Though the company is no longer in production, its wares continue to make appearances at auctions and in antiques shops across the country. If you’ve come across …
Swarovski crystals are well beloved by collectors. While Swarovski is widely known for its jewellery, they also create a vast range of decorative collectibles. These pieces combine beauty, craftsmanship and collectability, making them desirable items to collect and display. If you’re considering selling a piece, or even an entire collection, you may be wondering, “What …
Isabella Pope: an English studio potter and teacher about whom little is known, but whose unusual and technically proficient Planet Pots have intrigued and enthralled buyers every time they have appeared at auction. This dazzling assortment of Isabella Pope’s Planet Pots, bowls, figures and more will be featured across our November 2024 and March 2025 …
Mid-century furniture is very on trend nowadays, with a resurgence in appreciation for retro aesthetics and interior design. And with everybody looking to hop on the mid-century furniture bandwagon, finding good pieces for an affordable price can be a challenge. This is where Potteries Auctions comes in! We regularly see many fabulous mid-century pieces pass …
Wade Ceramics Ltd, a company whose roots can be traced back over 200 years, was the latest major name in the world of pottery to fall into administration. If you think your Wade pottery is worth nothing now though, you would be mistaken! The Wade factory premises at Festival Park, Etruria, in 2011. (Credit: thepotteries.org) …
Clarice Cliff was a pioneer in the world of early 20th-century ceramics, blending bold colours, innovative shapes and Art Deco designs to create pieces that remain both popular and influential today. Her pottery not only reflects the artistic trends of the time, but also showcases her unique vision and creativity. Whether you’re an avid Clarice …
Selling a single-owner collection at auction offers many advantages for both the seller and for potential buyers. These benefits stem from the unique nature of single-owner collections, which often tell a story, reflect a particular taste or passion, and offer a level of rarity and history that can enhance the appeal of the items being …
Rare Royal Doulton figures continue to hold a genuine allure for buyers, with a diverse range of collectible pieces that regularly achieve high prices at auction. Examples from the 1920s and 30s in particular attract significant interest; their quality, rarity and age being significant factors. There’s also the association with royal endorsement to be considered, …