Through earlier tradition, paperweights were usually produced in glass as they were durable enough to withstand any knocks. Whilst using ceramics would’ve most likely been disregarded as too fragile, this didn’t halt the work of Royal Crown Derby. This idea of a ceramic paperweight line aimed to target rich taste, explaining the incorporation of the ‘Imari’ pattern. This design had been developed from the Derby factories since the 18th Century. The use of rich colours alongside the gold gilding produced a show of wealth and sophistication.
Royal Crown Derby introduced their first paperweights in September 1981 at Chatsworth House, comprising five birds: the Duck, Owl, Penguin, Quail, Wren, and a Rabbit.
Years after this first edition, Royal Crown Derby is world renowned for its impressive and esteemed paperweights. From these original six paperweights, they have created a range of miniatures depicting animals such as Dolphins, Badgers, Dogs, and Cats.
Still an attractive collectable item today, Royal Crown Derby paperweights are successful at auction, reaching respectable prices across the UK.
A good example in one of our most recent auctions, which included these paperweights, would be the Royal Crown Derby Platypus, with the final hammer of £40.00. This was featured alongside other lots also reaching hammer prices £35.00-£40.00 respectively.
Highlights from the rest of the sale follow.
A large Coalport bone china limited edition figure group 'The Letter' designed by Valerie Littlewood, sculpted by Jack Glynn number 1/250. Measures 26cm high and 30cm wide, complete with certificate of authenticity and box.
A large Gordon H Griffiths patinated metal study depicting swallows in flight above brambles, standing at 60cm tall on wooden base bearing G.H. Griffiths printed label to underside.
After Franz Bergman large cold painted bronze study of cockerel meeting lizard signature to the front of the base. Measures 26cm x 26cm.
Three Royal Copenhagen figure groups comprising 'Women Feeding Cat' number 1012, 'Girl Feeding Cow' number 779 and 'The Whittler Boy' number 905, all stamped to underside.
