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.

Buy Rare Royal Doulton Bunnykins Figurines

Royal Doulton Bunnykins figurines have become some of the most collectible and valuable pieces of British ceramics, with demand continuing to grow among collectors in the UK and worldwide. Originally introduced as nursery tableware in 1934, Bunnykins expanded into figurines in 1939, with just six early designs produced before the outbreak of WWII halted production. …

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Is Your Japanese Satsuma Pottery Valuable? Identification & Auction Prices

Japanese Satsuma pottery is one of the most recognisable and collectible forms of antique ceramics, known for its intricate decoration, gilding, and detailed hand-painted scenes. From finely detailed Meiji period vases to later decorative pieces, Satsuma continues to attract collectors worldwide. At Potteries Auctions, we regularly value and sell Japanese Satsuma vases, bowls, and tea …

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Border Fine Arts Figurines: Limited Edition Collectibles & Farm Animal Sculptures

Discover the Value of Your Border Fine Arts Figurines Potteries Auctions have been selling Border Fine Arts limited edition sculptures for over 25 years. Our specialists have unrivalled knowledge of collectible farm animal models, working dogs, horses, and rural life figurines. If you would prefer to speak with an expert in person, you can book …

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Sell Jewellery at Auction: Valuations & Expert Guide

Thinking about selling your jewellery? Whether it’s gold, silver, diamonds, or designer brands like Cartier, our expert valuation and auction services at Potteries Auctions can help you get the best return. You can book a free valuation, send your images on WhatsApp to 07864 667940 or book an face-to-face appointment – all with no obligation. …

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Victoria in Vogue: How Robert Physick Carved a Queen for the Ages

Did you know that Queen Victoria survived eight assasination attempts during her reign? And if that wasn’t enough, being versed in five languages, a monarch at only 18, and having proposed to her own husband is sure to ruffle the feathers of any ‘Rennaisance’ man of her time.  Robert Physick (1815–1880), Marble shoulder bust of …

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Rare Ceramics, Jewellery & Collectables March 2025: Our Top Picks

Our upcoming March 2025 Fine Art auction is just around the corner, and we’re excited to be offering a fantastic array of rare ceramics, watches, collectables, art and much more. From cigars, Rolexes and paintings, to Moorcroft, Royal Worcester and Isabella Pope studio pottery, this is undoubtedly an auction you won’t want to miss! Here’s …

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Spruce Up Your Home this Spring with Some Antique Furniture

Victorian Jacobean Revival Dresser

Looking to upgrade your decor this spring? We have a great range of furniture from across several different historical periods coming up for auction as part of our March Fine Art Sale. Choosing to buy your antique furniture at auction is a more cost-effective, sustainable and rewarding way to add unique, high-quality pieces with lasting …

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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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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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What are your RAOB Medals worth?

The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) is a fraternal group that has been around since the 1820s. At Potteries Auctions, we have successfully handled numerous sales of these fascinating collectables since 2023, establishing ourselves as specialists in determining the worth of RAOB medals. Our expertise in valuing these fraternal jewels has helped many collectors …

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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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Deadline for entries to our July Rare Ceramics, Jewellery & Collectables auction: 20th MayBook a valuation
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