Fine Art

Fine Art

Paintings, pictures and prints will often fetch a good price at auction. We publish articles on this subject from time to time, and these are all collected in this category. You can also find out more on our specialist Prints, Paintings and Art page for examples of interesting lots sold at auction.

Get in touch if you have similar or unusual items that need a valuation.

Rare Royal Doulton Under the Hammer

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, …

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The Doris Brown Collection: Watercolours & Sketchbooks

Doris Brown’s Beginnings Doris Brown (1933-2023), renowned and talented watercolour artist and teacher, showed an interest and an aptitude for art from a young age. At just five years old, her father entered a painting she had made into a children’s art competition. The painting, which was of a large galleon, won first prize, but …

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The March 2024 Rare Ceramics, Jewellery & Collectables Auction

This gorgeous 19th Century Meissen mantle clock will be featured, with an estimate of £5,000-£6,000. Lot 268. The clock is ticking down to our first Fine Art auction of the year, with a stunning variety of items to be offered in our March Rare Ceramics, Jewellery & Collectables Auction, featuring a superlative collection of Royal …

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Burslem School of Art in Focus: Jack Simcock, Arthur Berry & More

As an auction house based in the heart of the Potteries in Stoke-on-Trent, we are proud to have 20th century art for sale from local artists, and continue to look for more. Read on for some details about the artists’ works we sell. The Burslem School of Art: a place synonymous with northern art. (Credit: …

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Pottery, Jewellery, Furniture & More: Best Sellers at Auction

Our last premium sale of the year saw over 2,200 lots go under the hammer, with some incredible prices achieved for expensive jewellery, pottery and more. Starting with the wonderful selection of paintings and pictures that were offered, these comprised a variety of oil paintings, watercolours, prints and more. Included in particular were a number …

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Mouseman Furniture at Auction

Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson, known for his iconic mouse signature and exquisite 20th century oak furniture, remains a celebrated figure whose legacy continues to captivate art and woodworking enthusiasts alike. Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson at work in his workshop. (Credit: robertthompsons.co.uk) Who Was Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson? Born on 7th May 1876, Robert Thompson lived in Kilburn, North …

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Buy Rare Bunnykins Figurines

An example of the Bunnykins nursery ware range. Credit: royaldoulton.com First introduced in 1934 as a range of nursery tableware featuring anthropomorphised rabbits, Bunnykins was briefly expanded into a range of figurines in 1939, with six different figures produced, before the outbreak of WWII curtailed production. Eventually reintroduced in 1969, the variety of figurines increased …

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Rare Royal Doulton Figures for Sale

We are accustomed to seeing rare Royal Doulton figures in our sales, ranging from Jesters to Jockeys. Take a look at the valuable Doulton figures we have in our next sale. How Can You Spot a Rare Royal Doulton Figure? To start with, limited edition pieces, denoted by corresponding markings to the base, are likely …

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Jack Simcock Paintings Return Home for Auction

A portrait photograph of Jack Simcock (Credit: jacksimcock.com) The Rise of Simcock Jack Simcock was born in 1929 to a mining family in Biddulph, Staffordshire. After attending the Junior Technical School in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent and then working in the drawing office of a coalmining machinery design and manufacturing company, he was conscripted into the army …

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Collectable Cigars for Sale: Brands to Consider

Embark on a journey of sophistication as we delve into some premium cigars for sale to help you create a collection that embodies luxury and indulgence. What Makes a Good Cigar? Cigars have long been regarded as a symbol of wealth and status. Owing to aspects of quality and rarity, collecting cigars has become a …

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Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes Medals for Sale

The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) is a fraternal group that has been around since the 1820s. We are lucky enough to have six RAOB medals for sale later this year. Among the RAOB medals for sale in our November Fine Art auction, there is this 3rd Degree jewel. It will be featured with …

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Revisiting our July 2023 Fine Arts Sale

There was plenty of excitement for our July Fine Art auction, with some fantastic collections of rare ceramics and jewellery going under the hammer. From the Wade factory archives, the quirky and one-of-a-kind piece ‘Ivy’ was contested up to a hammer price of £4,200. Highlights from the July Sale Prominently featured was the second part …

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The Creative Minds Behind our Moorcroft Collections

Moorcroft pottery is a staple of our auctions, with rare, sought-after items sold each sale. Let’s look at the creatives behind these works. This wonderful Swallow Tail trial vase will be featured in our upcoming November Fine Art auction, with an estimate of £900-£1,800. William Moorcroft’s Vision William Moorcroft began his career in 1897, when …

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Pâte-sur-Pâte: From Paris to Stoke-on-Trent

Pâte-sur-pâte is a specialised decorative technique. Highly sought after, pâte-sur-pâte manufacturers in Stoke-on-Trent saw great success in the 19th and 20th centuries. History of the Technique The technique was developed in the mid-1850s by Parisian ceramics producer Sèvres in an attempt at recreating an earlier Chinese technique. It involves building up multiple layers of white …

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Clarice Cliff’s Rhodanthe: Rare Collection Up For Auction

Coming Nov ’23 We are thrilled to present an exceptional collection of Clarice Cliff’s Rhodanthe designs. This was acquired from a passionate collector who meticulously preserved these treasures. Our auction, scheduled for November, offers an opportunity for individuals to own a piece of design history from one of the most renowned ceramic artists of all …

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Weird and Wonderful Items Sold at Auction

Undoubtedly quirky, yet consistently popular, pottery by Simon Carroll often performs well at auction. This earthenware jug sold in our November 2021 Fine Art auction for £520! Many weird and wonderful items pass through our doors at Potteries Auctions and you may be surprised at the variety and breadth of items that can gain interest. …

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Highlights from our March 2023 Cobridge Auction

26 March 2023 Lot 112 was a De Lamerie Fine Bone China heavily gilded Black Exotic Garden patterned cup and saucer sets and a small bowl that sold for £170. Our March Cobridge auction took place this month on Sunday 26th March and featured an exciting array of items, from 20th-century British pottery and large collections …

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Highlights from our March 2023 Fine Art Sale

Our Fine Art sale this month featured some exquisite oil paintings such as lot 1503; an oil painting of a canal in Venice from the School of Michele Marieschi in a gilt frame which sold for a spectacular £7,300. The first Potteries Auctions Fine Art sale of 2023 took place this month on Thursday 9th, Friday …

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A Preview of our 2023 March Fine Art Sale

This George Tinworth Doulton Lambeth comical mouse group named “Cockneys at Brighton” will be available on day one of this three day Fine Art sale. Our March three-day online auction will be taking place at 10am on Thursday 9th, Friday 10th and Saturday 11th March. You can also check out our online catalogue for more information on the available …

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A Preview of our 2022 November Fine Art Sale

This adorable rare Royal Doulton Bunnykins Oompah band set of figures is looking to sell for £250 – £500 at our November 2022 Fine Art sale. Our November three-day auction will be taking place at 10am on Thursday 10th, Friday 11th and Saturday 12th November. You can check out our online catalogue for more information on the available lots …

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