Coalport Figurines
By Duncan McNab

The famous English china makers "Coalport" not surprisingly derived their name from the village in which they began manufacturing in the late 18th century. In that pretty Shropshire village, potter John Rose opened his factory in 1795 on a site between the Shropshire Canal and the River Severn. He selected the site for its proximity to the deposits of alluvial clay perfectly suited to the potters’ art, and the abundance of coal which could be used to fire his kilns. Access to water transport was also a persuading factor. In 1799 he bought the nearby Caughley factory which was noted for its blue and white tableware inspired by oriental designs. In 1814 he acquired his brother’s factory, and closed operations at Caughley. His porcelain was, and still is noted for its magnificent colours and fine detail, and by the 1830’s Coalport had joined the ranks of England's most distinguished and sought after potteries. Rose died in 1841, and Coalport blundered around until 1875, when it was bankrupted, eventually being bought by a series of different owners.

Objects to note in the Coalport range for many years have been their exquisite china figurines. Their beauty, elegance, style and detail have seen their popularity and collectibility grow rapidly. Since Wedgwood took over, Coalport's lovely figurines of elegant women have seen the additions of a number desirable "limited editions" The most recent addition is the "At the Stroke of Midnight - A New Millenium". Two figurines were issued. The first, a lady dressed in a gown of rich purple with lilac contrast, with the gown decorated in golden stars beneath a glimmering glaze. Detail includes a fine gold bracelet, earrings and necklace. Only 950 of these 8" tall, hand painted figurines were made at a cost of $US250 each. The second figure for the new millenium was the debutante. Colours are similar to her taller friend, and whilst both work magnificently as a pair, the debutante cuts a fine figure on her own. Only 500 of these 5.75" tall, hand painted figures were made, and released at a cost of $US130 each. Recent auction trends in the UK already show an increase in value of around 5% in the short time since the figurines release.