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 factors that determine worth and the best approaches for selling can help you make an informed decision if you have a Lorna Bailey cat collection.
The artistry behind Lorna Bailey’s cats
Lorna Bailey began her pottery career at Stoke-on-Trent College, where she studied ceramics before joining her father’s business, LJB Ceramics. Drawing inspiration from the Art Deco period and particularly the work of Clarice Cliff, Bailey developed her signature style of cartoon-inspired ceramic cats that would go on to prove incredibly popular.
Each Lorna Bailey cat has distinctive characteristics that set them apart from mass-produced figurines. The pieces feature geometric patterns, bold colour combinations, and whimsical expressions that capture the personality of each feline subject.
Lorna Bailey Colourway Flas The Cat, Limited Edition, sold for £150
Popular designs include cats in various poses and situations, from ‘Bath Cat’ sitting in a bathtub with soap bubbles, to musical cats like ‘Striker the Cat’ with instruments. Seasonal pieces, particularly Christmas and Halloween-themed cats, have proven especially popular among collectors. Limited editions such as ‘Billy the Cat’ and ‘Digger the Cat’ show the range of Bailey’s creative vision in this beloved series.
For more background on Lorna Bailey’s work, take a look at this page.
What makes Lorna Bailey cats valuable?
Lorna Bailey large marmalade colourway ‘The Cat’, Limited edition 13/20, sold for £140
Limited edition status plays a crucial role in determining value. Bailey produced most of her cat designs in limited quantities, typically ranging from 40 to 250 pieces per edition. The smaller the edition size, the greater the potential value, with pieces from editions under 50 reaching premium prices in today’s market.
Lorna Bailey prototype Toil the Cat, sold for £120
Prototype and one-off pieces represent the pinnacle of Lorna Bailey collecting. These experimental pieces offer unique insights into Bailey’s creative process. Recent auction results showcase the popularity and subsequent premium prices these pieces achieve, with prototype cats achieving significantly higher prices than their production counterparts.
Lorna Bailey Ratcatcher charger. Limited edition 43/50, sold for £160
Condition and authenticity remain paramount considerations. Pieces in excellent condition with clear signatures and proper backstamps maintain their full market potential. The presence of Bailey’s signature adds considerable value compared to factory-stamped examples.
Determining the Worth of Your Collection
Prototype pieces have achieved some of the highest prices, with examples selling for £80 to £170 depending on design significance and rarity. A Lorna Bailey prototype titled ‘Titch the Cat’, which later went into production as a limited edition of 40, achieved £80 at auction. More notably, a Lorna Bailey prototype Guinness Tortoise reached £260, demonstrating the premium that truly rare prototypes can command.
Lorna Bailey prototype Guinness Turtle, sold for £260
Limited edition production pieces typically sell within the £70 to £120 range, with factors such as edition size, condition, and design popularity influencing final prices. Sets of related pieces often perform well, with a collection of three Lorna Bailey wise monkey cats in See, Hear and Speak No Evil poses achieving £90.
Lorna Bailey wise monkey cats ‘See, Hear and Speak No Evil’, sold for £95
General range pieces and larger edition runs typically sell for £30 to £70, representing the entry point for new collectors while still offering meaningful returns for sellers.
For more information about auction prices of general Lorna Bailey pottery and its collectability, check out our guide here.
Considering selling your Lorna Bailey Cat collection?
Our expert valuers provide comprehensive valuation services for Lorna Bailey cats and related pieces. With demonstrated expertise in achieving exceptional results, we understand how to present your collection to attract serious collectors and achieve optimal prices.
Our team are available every Tuesday from 9am-3:30pm at our Silverdale saleroom or Thursday at the Corbridge saleroom, where they can value your Lorna Bailey cats and advise you on consigning to auction. To book a free in-person appointment, use our form here. Alternatively, if you would like an online valuation, fill in this form.
You can also email us at enquiries@potteriesauctions.com, or call us on 01782 638100 for further details.