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, red, blue, gold, each colour has sparked discussions and collector theories.
Today, we’re putting an end to the speculation. We hear directly from Lorna Bailey herself to get the definitive answer about her colour system. Whether you’re a collector or appreciate an occasional piece, this guide will help you understand exactly what you’re looking at when you turn over your latest acquisition.
Any dedicated Lorna Bailey collector knows she signs virtually all of her pieces, from early prototypes and Old Ellgreave works to exclusive collectors’ club releases. But what many don’t realise is that her signature colour system evolved organically over her career, responding to the growing complexity of her production lines.
Black Signatures: The Foundation
Lorna Bailey colourway Fireside Ratcatcher prototype which went into limited edition of 75 (August 2004) and a Lorna Bailey charger, limited edition of 25 – both signed in black
Black signatures represent the bedrock of Lorna’s signing system. As she explains, “Black was used to sign every piece to begin with, including limited editions, until I started to use blue for limited editions. Then it became exclusively for general range, commissions and stockists’ pieces.”
These pieces can often be the accessible entry point into Lorna Bailey’s collecting, though early, black-signed limited editions can be particularly sought-after due to their historical significance in her catalogue.
Red Signatures: Open Day Exclusives
Lorna Bailey model of the Rat Catcher, limited edition 1 of 3 and Gotya the Cat limited edition 2/10 for a 2007 open day – both signed in red
Red signatures hold special significance for collectors who’ve attended Lorna’s studio open days. “Red was for open day pieces, but I’m not sure when exactly I started to use red,” Lorna admits about her evolving system.
Red-signed pieces are among the most personal in any collection. These weren’t available through regular channels like Lorna’s website; you had to be there, at the studio. This makes red signatures a mark of dedicated collecting, creating those emotional connections for owners who remember the day they acquired their piece.
Blue Signatures: Limited Edition Luxury
Lorna Bailey Square Sunburst vase limited edition 2/5 (dated 2007) and figure of Little Red Riding Hood limited edition 4/50 (dated February 2006) – both signed in blue
lue became Lorna’s go-to colour for limited editions, though she’s candid about the timeline: “Blue was used for limited editions, but I’m not sure either when exactly I started to use blue for limited editions.”
These signatures indicate pieces produced in controlled, numbered quantities. Blue-signed pieces often represent Lorna’s more ambitious artistic ventures, complex colourways, intricate designs, or collaborations that required special attention.
Gold Signatures: The Ultimate Collector’s Trophy
Lorna Bailey Charles Rennie Mackintosh jug signed in gold
Gold signatures are the holy grail for many collectors, and for good reason. As Lorna explains: “Some pieces were signed in gold on top of the glaze at open days and any special meet and greet events that I did.”
These signatures weren’t applied during the standard production process – they were added live, at events. The gold sits on top of the fired glaze, making these signatures particularly vulnerable and therefore requiring extra care. Gold-signed pieces represent the most personal connection possible between artist and collector.
Understanding Your Collection Better
This colour-coding system shows much about Lorna’s approach to her craft and her relationship with collectors. Rather than being purely arbitrary, the colours reflect the evolution of a successful artist building deeper connections with her audience.
If you have any further queries or are looking to sell, at Potteries Auctions 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 Cobridge 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.