When it comes to the golden age of Royal Doulton artistry, one name held in great esteem is Leslie Johnson. Active during the early 1900s through the 1920s, Johnson carved out a distinctive niche as one of Royal Doulton’s accomplished portrait artists, creating pottery pieces that continue to captivate collectors nearly a century later.
Leslie Johnson’s Artisty
Leslie’s career with Royal Doulton coincided with one of the pottery industry’s most innovative periods. Working primarily between 1900 and 1920, he specialised in hand-painted porcelain plaques and decorative figures that showed exceptional skill in capturing Edwardian elegance.
His pottery works are immediately recognisable for their delicate pastel palettes, precise details, and the romantic sensibility that defined the period.
Leslie Johnson’s artistic range impressed pottery connoisseurs of his era. From intimate portrait plaques depicting elegant 18th-century ladies to larger decorative vases with neoclassical themes, his portfolio demonstrates great versatility.
He possessed a particular talent for capturing the grace and poise of fashionable ladies, often adorning them in flowing gowns and surrounding them with floral motifs that would become his signature style.
Collecting Leslie Johnson Today
For collectors of Royal Doulton ceramics, Johnson’s pieces are wonderful exemplars of early 20th-century British pottery artistry. His works are characterised by several distinct features that make them highly sought after in today’s market.
Artist signatures ensure authenticity, as Leslie Johnson consistently signed his pottery pieces, adding significantly to their collectable value. Exceptional gilding defines many of his Royal Doulton pieces, with extensive gold decoration that has retained its lustre across the decades.
Period subjects range from Victorian through to Edwardian ladies, along with pastoral scenes, and romantic themes that frequently appear. Technical excellence distinguishes his pottery craftsmanship through hand-painted details.
The artist’s pottery pieces regularly appear at auction houses worldwide. Collectors particularly seek Leslie Johnson’s portrait plaques and decorative figures, with values remaining strong in pottery markets.
Coming to Auction: November Highlights
This November, Potteries Auctions presents two exceptional Leslie Johnson pottery lots for collectors:
A charming Rosina china figure of a lady holding flowers, accompanied by two smaller lady figures.
This grouping demonstrates Leslie’s ability to work across different scales while maintaining his characteristic attention to detail and decorative elements that define his Royal Doulton pottery works.
A beautiful hand-painted earthenware figure of a lady curtseying in a floral dress.
Both pottery lots represent excellent opportunities for collectors to acquire authenticated Leslie Johnson pieces.
Interested in selling Leslie Johnson Royal Doulton pieces?
Our expert valuers provide comprehensive valuation services for Leslie Johnson 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 Cobridge saleroom, where they can value your items 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.