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Who was Charles Vyse? Plus Upcoming Charles Vyse Ceramics at Our July Fine Art Sale

Debbie Porter


This Charles Vyse earthenware figure, produced in 1920, sold for a stunning £880 at our last Fine Art sale back in March

Potteries Auctions has been host to many ceramic artists over the years, especially to local favourites. Born in Staffordshire, Charles Vyse (1882-1971), was a potter who created some of the industry’s most popular pieces. At the age of just 14, he became an apprentice modeller and designer at Royal Doulton, trained under the watchful eye of Charles Noke. It is rumoured that Henry Doulton noted his talents and prompted him to attend Hanley Art school. His education proved to be just as successful as his work, soon gaining a scholarship to attend the Royal College of Art in London.

Following on from his education, he began to design for Royal Doulton, producing the popular figure ‘Darling’. In 1919, Charles and his wife, Nell, ventured to Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, to produce their own studio pottery designs. They successfully created thousands of wonderfully coloured pieces inspired by the working class faces of London. His most notable figures comprised of ‘The Balloon Woman’ and ‘The Piccadilly Rose Woman’ to name a few. It is clear to see from his elaborate education and passion for sculpture why his work would become so popular.

We have only had a small handful of Charles Vyse ceramics in our auctions over the years. However, our upcoming July 8th-9th Fine Art sale is set to feature a nice collection of some of his most popular figures. Watch this space over on our Upcoming Auctions page in the coming weeks for more information.

'The Daffodil Lady’, A Chelsea pottery Charles Vyse earthenware figure dated 1923

‘The Daffodil Lady’, A Chelsea pottery Charles Vyse earthenware figure dated 1923

'The Balloon Woman', A Chelsea Charles Vyse earthenware figure, dated 1921

‘The Balloon Woman’, A Chelsea Charles Vyse earthenware figure, dated 1921

‘The Cinneraria Boy’, A Chelsea pottery Charles Vyse earthenware figure, dated 1925

‘The Cinneraria Boy’, A Chelsea pottery Charles Vyse earthenware figure, dated 1925

You will find the featured figures above, along with hundreds of other ceramics, in our July 8th-9th Fine Art auction. If you have any similar items that you’re thinking of selling at auction, get in touch and we can help you with a valuation.Talk to our team of experts who will be able to give you an accurate auction estimate on a range of items from household goods to antiques. You can join us at one of our valuation days every Tuesday. Email us for an appointment enquiries@potteriesauctions.comor call us on +44 (0)1782 638100 Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. 

Email Valuations

If you can’t come in and see us in person but would like to submit items for auction or valuation, send us an email to enquiries@potteriesauctions.com with details and a photograph (eg make, model, model number, measurements, condition) and one of our experts will provide information and auction estimates. Alternatively, give us a call on 01782 638100 to arrange an appointment.