English "Character's" For Our Collections

Beswick Sairy Gamp Teapot

When is a coffee mug a work of art??  The English ceramic and pottery artists are "heads" above all the rest!  It was around the 18th century when some of the Staffordshire potters started making mugs with human heads. They were called "Toby's". Toby was a seated character with a three cornered hat so you could drink out of each of the corners.  Since then, they have been made by several ceramic and pottery houses in England.  Wood & Sons, Beswick, Royal Doulton, and on and on.  Some are more valued monetarily than others but they all have collectible value.  Many of the characters you see are from books or just daily life. Today you will see mugs, jugs and teapots with the "head" theme.  You also see many different sizes. There are "mini's" that are just a few inches tall all the way to large jugs.  I think you will find a huge range of ages for these little treasures.  They are still being made today so if you want true vintage pieces, you will have to do a little homework!

This was done by Sandland and is a two sided mug
with characters on each side

This darling Little Old Lady teapot was
made by H.J. Wood, probably in the 1930's

 

                                                        

                                                                                          This pair was made by Thorley and are named
                                                                                         "Jolly Miller" and "Miller's Wife".  They are mini's

                                                      This little guy was made by SylvaC Ceamic's and is named
"Chelsea Pensioner"