RARE LOWESTOFT PORCELAIN SWAN SET TO GO UNDER THE HAMMER IN NORFOLK
An extremely rare porcelain swan made nearly 250 years ago in Lowestoft is set to go under the hammer in Norfolk next month – and with the piece having made over £10,000 when it was last sold in 2010, auction experts are predicting it will attract interest from collectors throughout the world.
The Lowestoft porcelain model dates from around 1785, and was one of a very small number made by the Suffolk factory. Known mostly for functional pieces such as jugs, teapots and cups, animal figures were not commonly made at the Crown Street factory, which operated from 1757 until 1802.
It was every rare for Lowestoft animal figures to be painted, and the swan which will be auctioned by Keys Auctioneers and valuers in Aylsham as part of their two day Fine Sale on 25th and 26th November features sepia enamel feathers and painted eyes and beak.
The piece has come from a local collection, and was once part of the renowned John Warrell collection. It has been auctioned twice before: in 1986 it sold for £820, and in 2010 it sold for £10,500.
“Keys has built a national and international reputation for Lowestoft porcelain, and the rarest pieces are often brought to us for sale,” said David Broom, ceramics expert at Keys Auctioneers and Valuers.
“There is actually a fair amount of standard Lowestoft porcelain which comes to market, but it is the rare pieces such as this swan which really catch the attention of serious collectors.”
The swan is one of a number of rare Lowestoft porcelain items in Keys’ November Fine Sale.
Keys’ two day Fine Sale takes place on the firm’s live online bidding platform KeysLive at bid.keysauctions.co.uk on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th November. The full catalogue will be available online at www.keysauctions.co.uk in early November.