Stoke-on-Trent

This Second World War Distinguished Conduct Medal group of five was awarded to Serjeant John Chapman of the 4th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers.

A new auction record for the Wade factory was set by Potteries Auctions in Stoke-on-Trent when this monumental 3ft 10in (1.15m) high figure made for the 1951 Festival of Britain sold at £4200.

The record-setting piece of Beswick pottery at a recent sale at Potteries Auctions (20% buyer’s premium) – a rare variant of a shire horse model that fetched £11,300 (ATG No 2569) – was not the only lot bringing notable demand.

A record for Beswick pottery was set in Stoke-on-Trent this month when a rare variant of one of the factory’s best-known models sold for a five-figure sum.

A new record for a Royal Doulton figure has been set in Stoke-on-Trent.

Not to be confused with the modern limited edition Toby jugs of the same name, the early Royal Doulton figure Spooks is among the most desirable models in all the HN series.

Barewall Art Gallery has published a monograph on celebrated Staffordshire artist Arthur Berry (1925-94), known as the ‘Lowry of the Potteries’.

In the collectable ceramics market colour can count for a lot.

This pair of William III silver candlesticks came for sale at Potteries Auctions (20% buyer’s premium).

The 27 animal models created for Beswick by Colin Melbourne represented the firm at its most avant garde.

Small Britannia standard silver bowls are the signature pieces the Scottish silversmith Michael Lloyd (c.1950).

An unusual late Victorian silver pocket watch by Herbert Blockley of London sold for an unexpected £2800 at Potteries Auctions (20% buyer’s premium) in Stoke-on- Trent.

Carol Baskin and her business partner Gareth Brunt of the Antique Forum Group organise the regular two-day antiques and collectors’ fairs at Uttoxeter Racecourse in Staffordshire.

Sold in the heartlands of English ceramics, this example, below, of Scotland’s finest was the estimate-shattering star of Potteries Auctions’ (20% buyer’s premium) July 13-14 sale in Stoke-on-Trent.

Barewall Art Gallery in Burslem recently sold 'Chapel' by Arthur Berry (1925-94), raising £2170 for the British Heart Foundation.