The following treasure is from the living estate of Ailene & Buddy Ford; noted dealers and lifelong collectors of exceptional antique & vintage heirlooms. AEAA is proud to present this collection of Royal Doulton Figurines , 2 victorian ladies figurines that includes Afternoon Tea HN 1747 and Top of the Hill (number hand done on bottom does not correspond with piece , number should be HN 1834) *** Top of the Hill 4.75 x 7 tall and Afternoon Tea HN 1747 7 x 5.5 Tall ***Total Weight: 3# ***** ROYAL DOULTON FIGURINES ***** In 1815, John Doulton invested the family savings of a hundred pounds in a small business. The Company quickly expanded and during the 1830s, John was joined by his sons. It was his second son, Henry, who was to become the driving force in the business. Under Henry’s influence, an art studio was opened at Lambeth and a factory was acquired in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent for the manufacture of tableware. Henry’s contribution to the ceramic industry was widely acknowledged, and in 1887 he became the first potter to be knighted. In 1897, the "Big Potter" died but it was in the tribute to him that in 1901 the Company was granted the Royal Warrant by King Edward VII and commanded to use the word "Royal" to describe the Company and its products. The factory at Burslem developed rapidly during the last years of the nineteenth century. The success of the partnership was illustrated at the World’s Columbian Exhibition in Chicago, USA, in 1893 when the Company was acclaimed as " the leader in English pottery". The introduction of figures/figurines was one of Noke’s greatest ambitions and during the early 20th century he developed this concept further. In 1913 a second collection was introduced. Queen Mary who was visiting the factory in that year saw one of the figures and exclaimed, "isn’t he a Darling". The figure was renamed "Darling" in her honor and several variation have been made of this model through the years. A century after the first figures were launched, over 5,000 different models have been produced.

XA - P10 & P150 - Excellent condition