{"title":"Parkinson Pottery","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-mouse","title":"Susan Parkinson Mouse","description":"A superbly sculptural and idiosyncratic Mouse by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e, 1956.\n\u003cp\u003eBy the late 1950's, Britain's economy was finally picking up following WWII, and the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/parkinson-pottery\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Parkinson Pottery\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eParkinson's\u003c\/a\u003e began to supply 'fancy goods' shops, which were largely catering for the holiday souvenir trade. The model which lead them in this direction was the mouse. The mouse has the model Number 71, and was designed in 1956 for a store in the Cornish fishing village of Mousehole.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42291876298966,"sku":"","price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/products\/Black_and_white_Pottery_Mouse_by_Parkinson_Pottery_Ashford_Kent.jpg?v=1641253031"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-leaf-platter","title":"Susan Parkinson Leaf Platter","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rare Leaf platter designed by Richard \u0026amp; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e, circa 1952.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe streaks of brown (red iron inclusions) in the glaze, as well as the test mark and variation of 'Made in England' impressed into the base suggest this is an early, pre-1955, piece.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn their book on the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/parkinson-pottery\" title=\"Parkinson Pottery\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eParkinson Pottery\u003c\/a\u003e, Cashmore \u0026amp; Smith-Vincent note two models containing the word 'leaf' in the list of new designs added to the pottery's 1961 catalogue. However, neither of the written names, 'Long Leaf Dish #126' nor 'Small Leaf Plate #153', match this leaf shaped design. The 'Small Leaf' was reportedly designed for salads but was too small for purpose. Whilst the 'Long Leaf' was very long, at 92 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42296142627030,"sku":"","price":340.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/products\/Huge-Richard-and-Susan-Parkinson-Pottery-Leaf.jpg?v=1643126774"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-pig","title":"Susan Parkinson Pig","description":"\u003cp\u003eA hand decorated slip-cast porcelain sculpture of a Pig, designed and made by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e at her \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/parkinson-pottery\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Parkinson Pottery\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003epotteries\u003c\/a\u003e near Ashford, Kent, circa 1956. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe petite pig, which could easily be mistaken for a guinea pig, is Model Number 78.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven though the eyes of the sow are covered by its ears, the fluid and lively lines which render the snout, markings, and tail, convey a very joyful-looking pig.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pig's tail is in the form of the letter 'S', which stands for 'Susan'. This is documented in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.waterstones.com\/book\/susan-parkinson-and-the-richard-parkinson-pottery\/carol-cashmore\/tim-smith-vincent\/9780952281245\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Susan Parkinson by Carol Cashmore and Tim Vincent Smith\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCarol Cashmore \u0026amp; Tim Vincent-Smith's 2004 publication about Susan and her life \u0026amp; work.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42296364761302,"sku":"","price":70.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/products\/susan-parkinson-porcelain-pid-with-hand-painted-black-stripes.jpg?v=1678643619"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-cat","title":"Susan Parkinson Black Cat","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn elongated sculpture of a seated cat, designed and made by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e at her \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/parkinson-pottery\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Parkinson Pottery\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003epottery\u003c\/a\u003e in Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1955.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sleek ornament is slip-cast porcelain. On top of the white ceramic, Susan has rendered the unique features of the cat in black glaze, by method of wax resist and sgraffito. The fluidity yet precision of her lines result in a brilliantly characterful depiction of this animal. A wonderful example of Modernist \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBritish studio pottery.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42311921696982,"sku":"","price":140.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/products\/Cat-sat-with-feet-together-looking-suspicious-designed-by-susan-parkinson-for-richard-parkinson-pottery-ltd.jpg?v=1641579044"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-robin","title":"Susan Parkinson Robin","description":"\u003cp\u003eA slip-cast white porcelain figurine of a plump Robin, modeled and decorated in black glaze by \u003ca title=\"Susan Parkinson\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e. The Robin, \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eModel 74, was designed by Susan following the success and popularity of the 'Mouse' figurine, designed especially for a shop in Mousehole, Cornwall. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter WWII, tourism \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003egrew exponentially in mid-twentieth century Britain. In 1957, in response to the expansion of the gift shop market, Susan designed this Robin and a Wren. Both birds are as charming \u0026amp; characterful as the picturesque holiday villages they were likely sold in.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42312351547606,"sku":"","price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/products\/side-profile-of-robin-bird-model-71-design-features-sleek-modernist-shape-susan-parkinson_61734ef8-0745-4c36-acf7-a9dc728ba1d5.jpg?v=1678642307"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-pocket-owl","title":"Susan Parkinson \"Pocket Owl\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eA porcelain model of an owl, designed by \u003ca title=\"Susan Parkinson\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e and created in her pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1955.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis expressionist model of an owl is a convincing caricature despite the abstract nature of Parkinson's design. When designing a new model, Parkinson focussed only on the most essential elements of the animal to create stylised impressions with unique personalities. Here, the essence of an owl has been successfully captured with just a few key features; the incredibly large eyes, small beak and round stature. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe owl's character and personality are amplified by loose brushstrokes and swirling lines; markings which suggest the owl's feathers. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith the model number 46, this 'small owl' became affectionately known at the pottery as the \"pocket owl\" as the size and shape \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eallows\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e it \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eto fit \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003einto the pocket perfectly. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43129747964118,"sku":"","price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/products\/profile-image-of-hand-painted-susan-parkinson-owl-for-sale-on-art-and-utility-london-vintage-design-gallery_1.jpg?v=1676747636"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-white-cat","title":"Susan Parkinson White Cat","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAn elongated, matte-glaze sculpture of a seated cat, designed and made by\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eat her\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/parkinson-pottery\" title=\"Parkinson Pottery\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/parkinson-pottery\" target=\"_blank\"\u003epottery\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ein Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1955.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe sleek ornament is slip-cast porcelain. On top of the white ceramic, Susan has rendered the unique features of the cat by method of wax resist and sgraffito. The fluidity yet precision of her lines result in a brilliantly characterful depiction of this animal. A wonderful example of Modernist British postwar studio pottery.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43840194642134,"sku":"","price":130.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/products\/susan-parkinson-ceramic-porcelain-cat-sculpture-designed-1950s-postwar-british-modernism-sgraffito-technique-ashford-kent.jpg?v=1676390871"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-mouse-1","title":"Susan Parkinson Mouse","description":"\u003cp\u003eA small yet superbly sculptured Mouse by \u003ca title=\"Susan Parkinson\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e, 1956.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the late 1950's, Britain's economy was finally picking up following WWII, and the \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"Parkinson Pottery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/parkinson-pottery\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eParkinson's\u003c\/a\u003e began to supply their ceramics to 'fancy goods' shops, which were largely catering for the holiday souvenir trade. The model which lead them in this direction was model no. 71, the mouse. Parkinson's mouse was designed especially for a gift shop in the Cornish fishing village of Mousehole, and was later offered to other retailers. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mouse is one of Susan Parkinson's most popular designs, and contains all of the character and stylisation associated with her wonderful work. The life-sized mouse consists of an oval body with large, round ears. The piece has been decorated in Parkinson's signature monochromatic fashion with swift brushstrokes, and contains beautifully subtle flourishes that reveal the distinct character of the animal; tiny feet, delicate whiskers, and a twirling tail. The figurine's eyes are large \u0026amp; abstract, and indicate Parkinson's playfulness. Painted in an abstract spiral, or \"swiss roll\",  the figurine's eyes are a signature of Parkinson's work and are a feature of many designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo mice are currently available via this listing, Mouse 1 is first presented in the images. And, following the mood shot with miniature vases, Mouse 2 can be inspected.  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Mouse 1","offer_id":45170056364246,"sku":"","price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Mouse 2","offer_id":45170056397014,"sku":"","price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/head-on-side-view-of-a-pair-of-collectible-black-mice-sculptures-by-richard-and-susan-parkinson.jpg?v=1711787316"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-pocket-owl-1","title":"Susan Parkinson \"Pocket Owl\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eA matte porcelain model of an owl, designed by \u003ca title=\"Susan Parkinson\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e and created in her pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1955.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis expressionist owl is a convincing caricature despite the abstract nature of Parkinson's design. When creating a new model, Parkinson focussed only on the most essential elements of the animal to create stylised impressions with unique personalities. Here, the essence of an owl has been successfully captured with just a few key features; the incredibly large eyes, small beak and round stature. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe owl's character and personality are amplified by loose brushstrokes and swirling lines; markings which suggest the owl's feathers. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith the model number 46, this 'small owl' became affectionately known at the pottery as the \"pocket owl\" as the size and shape \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eallows\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e it \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eto fit \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003einto the pocket perfectly. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45040176070870,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/mid-century-modern-owl-sculpture-parkinson-pottery-design-1950s.jpg?v=1711529720"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-toucan","title":"Susan Parkinson \"Toucan\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eSusan Parkinson's \"Toucan\" was the very first design produced at Parkinson Pottery, and has the model number '1'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe design dates from 1952, when the Parkinson's were only just beginning to explore slip-casting as a method to produce Susan's work. Significantly, this bird is from the very first mould that Susan Parkinson designed \u0026amp; made herself. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bird's sleek \u0026amp; Modernist design is partly due to practicality; the Parkinson's were still learning how to cast, and needed to start with a simple form. Susan's skill as a sculptor, however, allowed her to produce a design which was uncomplicated yet remarkably enticing. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe abstract bird features a large, pointed beak and an elegant silhouette, and is composed with a fluidity and precision that brilliantly captures the distinctive creature's essence with only a few gestures. The bird's monochromatic decoration has been achieved with wax-resist \u0026amp; sgraffito method, and depicts the loose brushstrokes and swirling lines typical of Parkinson's brilliant work. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe remarkable ability to capture the distinct character of any animal in a highly simplistic way was the basis of the Parkinson's success, and this design set the stylistic precedent for the Pottery's later ceramics production. This initial work contains all of the signature elements for which Susan Parkinson is renowned. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough widely referred to as a \"Toucan\", the official name of this early design is simply 'Small Bird', although Richard Parkinson would also refer to this design as an 'Egyptian Coptic'.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45040516858070,"sku":null,"price":125.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/lead-profile-image-of-a-susan-parkinson-toucan-bird-figurine-1950s-british-modernist-ceramic-art.jpg?v=1711722638"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-hedgehog","title":"Susan Parkinson Hedgehog","description":"\u003cp\u003eA stylised Hedgehog figurine by \u003ca title=\"Susan Parkinson\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e, 1956.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the success of Parkinson's mouse figurine, designed for the holiday souvenir trade, she created a handful of small creatures such as a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/products\/susan-parkinson-robin\" title=\"Susan Parkinson 'Robin' Figurine\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003erobin\u003c\/a\u003e, a \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Susan Parkinson 'Pig' Figurine\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/products\/susan-parkinson-pig?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=f9cd53f2f\u0026amp;_ss=r\" target=\"_blank\"\u003esmall pig\u003c\/a\u003e \u0026amp; this hedgehog. These were intended to supply the more numerous 'fancy goods' shops that emerged in Post-War Britain when tourism began to flourish once again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Hedgehog, model 80, proved to be one of Parkinson's most popular designs and was produced until 1960. After this date, the design was reimagined to have a flatter \u0026amp; longer silhouette. This earlier hedgehog has a plump silhouette, which we feel is most in-keeping with the animal itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe design is a wonderful caricature of the woodland creature, and displays a playfully Modernist style associated with Susan Parkinson's work. The piece has been decorated in Parkinson's signature monochromatic fashion yet is slightly more abstract than her other work; the design features painted 'stars' on his body, which appear as if he had been rolling in a pile of dry leaves or flowers. The eyes are large \u0026amp; abstract, and further indicate Parkinson's humour \u0026amp; playfulness. Painted in a spiral, or \"swiss roll\",  the figurine's eyes are a signature of Parkinson's work and are a feature of many of her designs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45135913943254,"sku":null,"price":80.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/susan-parkinson-hedgehog-monochromatic-design-inspired-by-the-picassoettes-of-the-1950s.jpg?v=1711482563"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-large-pepper-salt","title":"Susan Parkinson Large Pepper \u0026 Salt","description":"\u003cp\u003eA porcelain cruet set, designed by \u003ca title=\"Susan Parkinson\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e and created in her pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1954. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the early years of Richard \u0026amp; Susan Parkinson Pottery, the pair experimented with tableware alongside their production of ornamental animal figures. This endeavour was not a great success, mostly due to the affordability of tableware from large potteries in Staffordshire such as Midwinter, who were also producing forward-thinking Modernist designs. The Parkinson's methods of production were laborious \u0026amp; time-consuming, so their output commanded a high retail price which was not competitive in the Postwar market. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 'Large' salt \u0026amp; pepper set is the earliest of three slip-cast porcelain cruets designed by Susan Parkinson. The duo's sleek \u0026amp; organic form is not only elegant \u0026amp; ergonomic, but perfectly represents Britain's Modernist aesthetic of the mid-1950's. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cruet set has been decorated in Susan Parkinson's typical monochromatic style using the wax-resist method, and features abstract depictions of Neoclassical columns. The salt features swirling finials, fine lines \u0026amp; artistic splashes, whilst the pepper has been painted with tapering vertical lines. The 'columns' design is the earliest pattern, and indicates that this cruet set was specifically retailed at Primavera gallery, Chelsea, London in around 1955.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45135933702358,"sku":null,"price":180.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/susan-richard-parkinson-tall-large-salt-cellar-pepper-shaker-back-and-white-sgraffito-design.jpg?v=1788882129"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-small-pepper-salt","title":"Susan Parkinson Small Pepper \u0026 Salt","description":"\u003cp\u003eA porcelain cruet, designed by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e and created in her pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1955. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the early years of Richard \u0026amp; Susan Parkinson Pottery, the pair experimented with tableware alongside their production of ornamental animal figures. This endeavour was not a great success, mostly due to the affordability of tableware from large potteries in Staffordshire such as Midwinter, who were also producing forward-thinking Modernist designs. The Parkinson's methods of production were laborious \u0026amp; time-consuming, so their output commanded a high retail price which was not competitive in the Postwar market. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 'Small' salt \u0026amp; pepper set is the second of three slip-cast porcelain cruets designed by Susan Parkinson. This pair is a smaller and potentially more practical version of Susan's first cruets which were tall \u0026amp; slender. The duo's squat form is sleek \u0026amp; ergonomic, fitting perfectly in the hand. Their slightly organic shape reflects Britain's Modernist aesthetic of the mid-1950's. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cruet has been decorated in Susan Parkinson's typical monochromatic style using the wax-resist method, and features abstract depictions of Neoclassical columns. The salt is mostly white and features swirling finials \u0026amp; fine lines, whilst the pepper is mostly black, and has been painted with tapering vertical lines.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45135987474646,"sku":null,"price":120.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/pair-susan-parkinson-salt-and-pepper-shakers-post-war-british-modernist-design_1b970c28-98ea-4728-b7a0-6502a6beb007.jpg?v=1788882032"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-fish-dish","title":"Susan Parkinson Fish Dish","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eAn unusual dish designed \u0026amp; illustrated by \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e at her pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1955.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eAlthough Susan Parkinson is renowned for her stylised figures of animals, her artistic skills did not end with sculpting; she was a distinctive \u0026amp; proficient illustrator. Her fantastic drawings, some of which feature in the 2004 publication 'Susan Parkinson and the Richard Parkinson Pottery', show her unique \u0026amp; expressive style translated in two dimensions.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe few plates and dishes produced at Parkinson Pottery often feature Susan's wonderful illustrations of animals, medieval figures or astrological signs, all sketched in her striking \u0026amp; stylised manner.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThis decorative dish features a hand-drawn illustration of two fish. Created using the wax-resist method, the monochrome drawing is bold and expressive. Each fish features sharp geometric elements, such as their tail fins, and have been decorated with diagonal white stripes. The eyes and gills are confidently \u0026amp; expressively indicated with simple swooping brushstrokes. The mark-making featured on this dish is varied; feathery lines indicate transparent fins, whilst bubbles \u0026amp; water are cleverly indicated with abstract 'blobs' and smudges.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe form of this shallow dish is a soft diamond shape, with gently upturned edges. The Modernist form is not only practical, but is distinctly 1950's in style. The shape wonderfully reflects the aesthetics of Postwar British design, influenced by the Festival of Britain of 1951.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45136070246614,"sku":null,"price":210.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/parkinson-pottery-fish-illustrated-dish-postwar-british-modernist-design-for-sale-2.jpg?v=1765319483"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-happy-couple-dish","title":"Susan Parkinson \"Happy Couple\" Dish","description":"\u003cp\u003eA characterful dish designed and illustrated by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e at her pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1955.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough Susan Parkinson is best known for her stylised figures of animals, her artistic skills did not end with sculpting; she was a distinctive \u0026amp;amp; proficient illustrator. Her fantastic drawings, some of which feature in the 2004 publication 'Susan Parkinson and the Richard Parkinson Pottery', show her unique and expressive style translated in two dimensions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe few plates and dishes produced at Parkinson Pottery often feature Susan's wonderful illustrations of animals, medieval figures or astrological signs, all sketched in her striking and stylised manner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe way in which Parkinson illustrated humans was particularly distinctive. Her renditions of people are elongated, with large necks, small heads and squashed facial features. The playful proportions of her sketched human characters lends them a peculiar appearance, comparable to extra-terrestrials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis decorative dish features a hand-drawn illustration of two humans, probably a newly married couple. Created using the wax-resist method, Parkinson's monochrome drawing is abstract and expressive. The female character has long curly hair, a cat-like nose and an extremely long and slender neck. The male character, depicted on a black background, has a classic 1950's slicked hairstyle and a face full of freckles. His proportions are equally exaggerated, with a small face and incredibly low shoulders. The couple are smiling happily, and both share wonderfully dimpled chins. The details of the sketch indicate a formal occasion; the male is wearing a jacket and tie whilst the female appears to be wearing a fancy pearl necklace. We think this item was originally intended as a wedding gift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe modern \"eye\" shape of this unconventional dish is both practical and distinctly 1950's in style; it perfectly reflects the aesthetics of Postwar British design, sparked by the incredibly influential 1951 Festival of Britain.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45181721641174,"sku":null,"price":175.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/susan-parkinson-vintage-modernist-eye-shaped-married-couple-dish-picassoettes-wedding-gift.jpg?v=1711879304"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-guy-neale-french-gendarme-bottle-stopper","title":"Susan Parkinson \u0026 Guy Neale French Gendarme Bottle Stopper","description":"\u003cp\u003eA \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" title=\"Parkinson Pottery\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eParkinson Pottery\u003c\/a\u003e bottle stopper modelled on a French gendarme designed by Guy Neale, soon after he came to work at the pottery in 1954.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCashmore \u0026amp; Smith-Vincent [1] record that the request for stoppers originated in America. Specifically, the pottery’s American buyers wanted something typically British which led to \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Policeman Bottle Stopper\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/products\/susan-parkinson-policeman-bottle-stopper?pr_prod_strat=collection_fallback\u0026amp;pr_rec_id=870401dae\u0026amp;pr_rec_pid=8398533558486\u0026amp;pr_ref_pid=8398245003478\u0026amp;pr_seq=uniform\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan’s policeman bottle stopper.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the success of the policeman's head, Neale’s French gendarme was incorporated by Susan to extend the series. She also introduced two of Neale’s other military heads, a grenadier guard, and a cavalry officer.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeale’s heads of officials were actually the first bottle stoppers designed at the pottery. Although, for his designs to enter the pottery’s normal production range it was necessary to remake the moulds. This work was undertaken by Susan, who also decorated the heads in the pottery’s typical style.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA friend of Susan Parkinson’s for many years, Neale was also a partner in the business, and later a director, when the pottery became a limited company.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFor several years prior, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm1331001\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Guy Neale's IMDb Entry\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eNeale had worked in animation for a London film company\u003c\/a\u003e but principally he was a surrealist painter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeale travelled to work in Spain and other countries after a couple of years at the pottery. In June 1958, eight full-page paintings by Neale were published in National Geographic. The feature was a collaboration with the esteemed William Beebe (naturalist, ornithologist, marine biologist, entomologist, explorer, and author).\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeale's paintings ‘capture[d] the bright colours and fantastic forms of insects found in the jungles of Trinidad.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/nationalgeographicbackissues.com\/product\/national-geographic-june-1958\/\" title=\"Guy Neale, National Geographic June 1958\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eThe article was lavishly titled \u003cem\u003e‘The High World of the Rain Forest: In the Trinidad Jungle, Naturalist and Artist Work Together to Portray a Teeming Animal Kingdom Men Seldom See’.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[1] Cashmore, Carol and Vincent-Smith, Tim. 'Susan Parkinson and the Richard Parkinson Pottery' (Carol Cashmore, 2004).\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45244795453654,"sku":null,"price":180.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/collectible-parkinson-pottery-french-gendarme-bottle-stopper-margaret-hine-influence_ea40414b-d412-48ac-9b3e-e23ed986ad3f.jpg?v=1712424004"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-policeman-bottle-stopper","title":"Susan Parkinson Policeman Bottle Stopper","description":"\u003cp\u003eA \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Parkinson Pottery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eParkinson Pottery\u003c\/a\u003e bottle stopper modelled on a “Bobby” (British police officer), designed by Susan Parkinson circa 1956.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCashmore \u0026amp; Smith-Vincent [1] record that the pottery was requested of bottle stoppers by the American market. Specifically, buyers in the US wanted something typically British. First Susan created a bird topped stopper, and one adorned with a fish. Of course, neither of these could be said to be particularly British, so she then designed the policeman bottle stopper complete with the distinctive custodian helmet.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe policeman's head was a great success, which led Susan to extend the series by incorporating three additional stoppers with military heads designed by Guy Neale. Namely these were the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/products\/susan-parkinson-guy-neale-french-gendarme-bottle-stopper?pr_prod_strat=collection_fallback\u0026amp;pr_rec_id=33761e9f0\u0026amp;pr_rec_pid=8398245003478\u0026amp;pr_ref_pid=8398533558486\u0026amp;pr_seq=uniform\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"French Gendarme\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eFrench gendarme\u003c\/a\u003e, grenadier guard, and cavalry officer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeale’s designs predated Parkinson’s, being the pottery’s first experimental bottle stoppers. However, for his designs to enter the pottery’s normal production range it was necessary for the moulds to be remade. This work was undertaken by Susan who also decorated the heads in the pottery’s typical style. Resultantly, the four stoppers featuring heads of 'officials' sit harmoniously together and make a brilliant collection.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[1] Cashmore, Carol and Vincent-Smith, Tim. 'Susan Parkinson and the Richard Parkinson Pottery' (Carol Cashmore, 2004).\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45247854641366,"sku":null,"price":180.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/rare-parkinson-pottery-policeman-bottle-stopper-susan-parkinson-design-circa-1956_b2b3460e-3aac-40a7-8601-36c76cbebfbe.jpg?v=1712432912"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-fish-bottle-stopper","title":"Susan Parkinson Fish Bottle Stopper","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Parkinson Pottery bottle stopper adorned with a Modernist fish, designed by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e, circa 1956.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCashmore \u0026amp; Smith-Vincent [1] record that the pottery was requested of bottle stoppers by the America market. Specifically, buyers in the US wanted something typically British.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst Susan created a bird topped stopper, followed by this fish. Whilst today, both these designs with their sgraffito technique epitomise post-war British studio ceramics, at the time neither could be said to be particularly British…\u003cbr\u003eCorrespondingly, Susan then designed the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/products\/susan-parkinson-policeman-bottle-stopper?pr_prod_strat=collection_fallback\u0026amp;pr_rec_id=870401dae\u0026amp;pr_rec_pid=8398533558486\u0026amp;pr_ref_pid=8398245003478\u0026amp;pr_seq=uniform\" title=\"Policeman Bottle Stopper\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003epoliceman’s head bottle stopper\u003c\/a\u003e, complete with distinctive custodian helmet.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOut of all the stoppers produced by the pottery, we feel the fish is most humorous. Pulling a cork festooned with a fish from a bottle makes you feel like a resident of a higgledy-piggledy coastal village enjoying smuggled booze.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFittingly, the fishes wide eye sees all, but from its expression we know it will say nothing…\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[1] Cashmore, Carol and Vincent-Smith, Tim. 'Susan Parkinson and the Richard Parkinson Pottery' (Carol Cashmore, 2004).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45249226604758,"sku":null,"price":170.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/rare-parkinson-pottery-fish-bottle-stopper-susan-parkinson-design-circa-1956.jpg?v=1712484765"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-lion-unicorn","title":"Susan Parkinson Lion \u0026 Unicorn","description":"\u003cp\u003eA pair of Modernist ceramic statues in the form of a Lion \u0026amp; Unicorn designed by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/parkinson-pottery\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Susan Parkinson \" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e in 1951.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis duo of hand painted, black \u0026amp; white, figurines are greatly responsible for the serendipitous founding of Richard \u0026amp; Susan Parkinson’s pottery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThought to be the second piece ever made by Susan at Brabourne Lees was a large earthenware unicorn, the precursor to plaster of Paris models of a lion and unicorn, which were the forerunners of this ceramic pair. [1]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe style of the forms of Susan’s lion and unicorn were inspired by Arnold Machin's Zodiac Bull, manufactured by Wedgwood. First exhibited in 1946’s Britain Can Make It exhibition, Susan was greatly impressed when she saw Zodiac Bull and thought it would be “good fun” to produce a lion and unicorn in a similar style for the Festival of Britain in 1951. [2]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf course, Susan succeeded in making models of a lion and unicorn, however, not in time for the greatly attended Festival of Britain. Cashmore \u0026amp; Vincent-Smith suggest this was on account of Susan having just knowledge of moulding methods used for sculpture. Namely, it was only techniques in waste and piece moulding that Susan had learned whilst at the Royal College of Art. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResultantly, Susan made the first lion and unicorn models in clay and cast them in plaster of Paris, before painting them in an unexacting yet proficient way with ink decoration. And so almost by accident S. Parkinson created the black and white style that was to become the signature of their pottery. However, also using black and white decoration in the early-1950s were Nicholas Vergette and James Tower, amongst the others labelled 'The Picassoettes' who were a great inspiration to Susan Parkinson. [3] \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final fortuitous ‘development’ regards the Lion \u0026amp; Unicorn becoming available to others was with thanks to the Parkinson’s photographer friend Henry Lewes, who Richard had studied with at Guildford School of Art. Lewes had taken some photographs of S. Parkinson’s work and succeeded in getting an image of the Lion \u0026amp; Unicorn printed in the Architects' Journal, the publication he was doing free-lance work for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe photo, in the Architects Journal of 9th October 1952, was accompanied by an optimistic description by R Parkinson, however, everyone was astonished that they received orders from architects for the two ink on plaster models. [4]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnthused by the interest of and demand from architects the Parkinson’s decided that they could produce the models in ceramic and Susan returned to the Royal College of Art for assistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce with moulds the Parkinson’s set about creating a business and their pottery was born. The lion and unicorn, which were model numbers 2 and 3, provided the backbone of the Pottery's commercial success during its first few years. Whilst the ceramic models missed the Festival of Britain, they arrived in good time to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Naturally, the models made for the Coronation are painted with E\"R.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[1] The first piece made by Susan at Brabourne Lees was a terracotta mural featuring five busts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[2] V\u0026amp;A’s Britain Can Make It exhibition, organised by the Council of Industrial Design, 1946\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[3] William Newland \u0026amp; Margaret Hine were also figures disparagingly named 'Picassoettes' by Bernard Leach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[4] Richard Parkinson’s description beneath the photograph read: \"The photograph shows examples of ceramic sculpture designed by Susan Sanderson in white glazed porcelain with lemon yellow, delft blue or lustre decorations. These designs, which are being submitted to the COID (The Council of Industrial Design) for approval as Coronation souvenirs, are produced by Richard Parkinson and Partners, a small country pottery in Kent built in an old stable and oast house.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45955115352278,"sku":null,"price":700.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/susan-parkinson-mid-century-modern-margaret-hine-lion-unicorn-figures.jpg?v=1720638377"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-white-mouse","title":"Susan Parkinson White Mouse","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"Parkinson Pottery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/parkinson-pottery\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/parkinson-pottery\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003eA marvellously modelled Modernist Mouse figurine by \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003ca title=\"Susan Parkinson\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e, 1956.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the late-1950's, Britain's economy was finally improving, following WWII. With this tourism increased prompting the \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"Parkinson Pottery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/parkinson-pottery\" target=\"_blank\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/parkinson-pottery\"\u003eParkinson's\u003c\/a\u003e to supply their ceramics to 'fancy goods' shops, which occurred to cater to the holiday souvenir trade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis model of a mouse, numbered 71, was the design that lead the Parkinson's in this direction. The seated mouse was designed especially for a gift shop in the Cornish fishing village of Mousehole, and was later offered to other retailers. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvailable in black or white, the mouse is one of Susan Parkinson's most popular designs, and contains all of the character and stylisation associated with her wonderful work. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe piece has been decorated in Parkinson's signature monochromatic fashion with swift brushstrokes, and contains beautifully subtle flourishes that reveal the distinct character of the animal; tiny feet, delicate whiskers, and a twirling tail. The figurine's eyes are large \u0026amp; abstract, and indicate Parkinson's playfulness. Painted in an abstract spiral, or \"swiss roll\",  the figurine's eyes are a signature of Parkinson's work and are a feature of many designs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46219916804310,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/susan-parkinson-mouse-figurine-tiny-feet-delicate-whiskers-detail.jpg?v=1728230601"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-guy-neale-grenadier-guard-bottle-stopper","title":"Susan Parkinson \u0026 Guy Neale Grenadier Guard Bottle Stopper","description":"\u003cp\u003eA \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Parkinson Pottery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eParkinson Pottery\u003c\/a\u003e bottle stopper modelled on a Napoleonic era British Grenadier guard designed by Guy Neale, soon after he came to work at the pottery in 1954.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCashmore \u0026amp; Smith-Vincent [1] record that the request for stoppers originated in America. Specifically, the pottery’s American buyers wanted something typically British which led to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/products\/susan-parkinson-policeman-bottle-stopper?pr_prod_strat=collection_fallback\u0026amp;pr_rec_id=870401dae\u0026amp;pr_rec_pid=8398533558486\u0026amp;pr_ref_pid=8398245003478\u0026amp;pr_seq=uniform\" title=\"Policeman Bottle Stopper\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan’s policeman bottle stopper.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the success of the policeman's head, Neale’s \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003egrenadier guard was incorporated by Susan to extend the series. She also introduced two of Neale’s other military heads, a cavalry officer, and a\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/products\/susan-parkinson-guy-neale-french-gendarme-bottle-stopper?variant=45244795453654\" title=\"Parkinson Pottery French Gendarme Bottle Stopper\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e French gendarme\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeale’s heads of officials were actually the first bottle stoppers designed at the pottery. Although, for his designs to enter the pottery’s normal production range it was necessary to remake the moulds. This work was undertaken by Susan, who also decorated the heads in the pottery’s typical style.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA friend of Susan Parkinson’s for many years, Neale was also a partner in the business, and later a director, when the pottery became a limited company.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFor several years prior, \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Guy Neale's IMDb Entry\" href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm1331001\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eNeale had worked in animation for a London film company\u003c\/a\u003e but principally he was a surrealist painter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeale travelled to work in Spain and other countries after a couple of years at the pottery. In June 1958, eight full-page paintings by Neale were published in National Geographic. The feature was a collaboration with the esteemed William Beebe (naturalist, ornithologist, marine biologist, entomologist, explorer, and author).\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeale's paintings ‘capture[d] the bright colours and fantastic forms of insects found in the jungles of Trinidad.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Guy Neale, National Geographic June 1958\" href=\"https:\/\/nationalgeographicbackissues.com\/product\/national-geographic-june-1958\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eThe article was lavishly titled \u003cem\u003e‘The High World of the Rain Forest: In the Trinidad Jungle, Naturalist and Artist Work Together to Portray a Teeming Animal Kingdom Men Seldom See’.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[1] Cashmore, Carol and Vincent-Smith, Tim. 'Susan Parkinson and the Richard Parkinson Pottery' (Carol Cashmore, 2004).\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46220322767062,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/british-grenadier-guard-bottle-stopper-1950s-post-war-british-art-collection.jpg?v=1728238370"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-pekingese","title":"Susan Parkinson \"Pekingese\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn abstract porcelain model of a 'Peke', or Pekingese dog, designed by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e and created in her pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1961.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSusan Parkinson's Pekingese is a convincing caricature despite the abstract nature of her design. When creating a new model, Parkinson focussed only on the most essential elements of the animal to create her stylised impressions. Here, Parkinson has studied this special breed of dog, perfectly capturing its personality with a big, bushy ears \u0026amp; tail, along with its tiny legs \u0026amp; distinctive face. The face has been expertly applied with just a few short brushstrokes, and evokes this breed perfectly with its large jowls and squashed proportions. The dog's long fur is indicated by just a few curved lines which have been applied with a wax-resist method. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWith the model number 140, this Pekingese figurine, with the official name 'Peke', first appeared in the Parkinson's January 1961 catalogue, and was produced in small quantity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46268847227094,"sku":null,"price":160.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/Susan-Parkinsons-Peke-Pekingese-in-Porcelain-A-1961-Artistic-Creation.jpg?v=1730032649"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-dots-dashes-dish","title":"Susan Parkinson \"Dots \u0026 Dashes\" Dish","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA biomorphic dish with an abstract stripe decoration, designed by \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e and made at her pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1955.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe form of this shallow bowl is a soft diamond shape with gently upturned edges, reminiscent of an unfurling leaf. Its organic Modernist profile is not only practical but evocative of 1950s style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painted decoration, like the form itself, beautifully captures the spirit of post-war British design, shaped by the optimism and visual language of the Festival of Britain, 1951.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA series of fine hand-painted lines run across the entire surface of the dish, gently following its concave form. Interrupting these lines is a random and rhythmic sequence of dots, creating a composition that feels at once painterly and scientific. Reminiscent of many of Jessie Tait’s  atomic inspired designs for MidWinter, Susan Parkinson’s decoration here could easily be read as a play on dots and dashes — a Modern interpretation of Morse code or radio wave patterns, emblematic of the era’s fascination with science and technology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56598217490819,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/vintage-susan-parkinson-shallow-dish-1950s-modernist.jpg?v=1760109786"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-white-cat-1","title":"Susan Parkinson White Cat","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn elongated, gloss-glaze porcelain sculpture of a seated cat, designed and made by \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"Susan Parkinson\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e at her Kentish pottery in Brabourne Lees, circa 1955.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis sleek ornament is slip-cast in fine white porcelain, and Parkinson has rendered the cat’s distinctive features using the techniques of wax resist and sgraffito. The result is a design of remarkable fluidity and precision, capturing the cat’s character with playful elegance and Modernist sophistication.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA superb example of postwar British studio pottery, this piece embodies the refined aesthetics and inventive spirit that in our opinion positions  Susan Parkinson as one of the most distinctive ceramicists of her era.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56598394536323,"sku":null,"price":130.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/white-and-black-susan-parkinson-british-postwar-studio-pottery-cat-sculpture-for-sale-from-design-gallery-art-and-utility-based-in-the-uk.jpg?v=1760114534"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-money-bear-piggy-bank","title":"Susan Parkinson 'Money Bear' Piggy Bank","description":"\u003cp\u003eA large money box in the form of a seated bear designed by \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e circa 1952.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sleek form of the bear is slip-cast porcelain which has been hand decorated using the technique of wax resist and sgraffito. The bear’s body features leaf shaped motifs, and whilst its ears and eyes are more conventionally painted there rendering makes us question if this example isn’t actually a panda bear? \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEither way, as ever, Parkinson’s depiction is effortlessly characterful and wonderfully captures the zeitgeist of Modernist postwar \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBritish studio pottery inspired by the likes of the Bayswater Group, aka the Picassoettes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModel number 7, the money bear, was the first money box designed and made by the Parkinson Pottery. It proved very popular, although, examples of this design are now rare. Presumably this is because we have all had to tamper with a piggy bank at some point -for change for the school bus, or more excitingly pennies for the seaside arcade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the money bear’s success was perhaps in part thanks to a feature in December 1953 in House and Garden. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe large scale photograph that the magazine published also showcased two of Parkinson’s larger figurines, her cow and sheep, and the designs were pitched as stylish suggestions for Christmas presents.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56599137583491,"sku":null,"price":130.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/susan-parkinson-panda-bear-money-box-piggy-bank-1950s-british-studio-pottery.jpg?v=1788882283"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-greek-head-bust","title":"Susan Parkinson 'Greek Head' Bust","description":"\u003cp\u003eA large Modernist bust of an ancient Greek gentleman designed and made by \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Parkinson Pottery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/parkinson-pottery\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e around 1953.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSlip-cast in one piece, complete with tunic, laurel wreath, and column base, Parkinson’s Greek Head (Model No. 67) captures the serene elegance of a noble figure from antiquity. Yet its true brilliance lies in Parkinson’s rendering. For us, this bust perfectly embodies the spirit and epitomises the aesthetics of post-war British design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth the shape of the subject and how he is painted is light and lively yet ever so well considered. In its purity and simplicity the Modernist sculpture brings to mind Pablo Picasso's neoclassical period (1919–1929) and his famous quote on mastering an instinctive and unpretentious expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child” \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eOn the lower half of the bust, areas of black and white are in high contrast, dramatically defining the drape of the tunic and the folds of fabric. This \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ecreates a tantalising juxtaposition with the delicately modelled face above, left largely in pure porcelain except for the freely painted eyes, each executed in just four confident brushstrokes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eTo close, it must also be noted that Parkinson’s Modernism was as much inspired by the Bayswater Group (aka the Picassoettes) as by Picasso himself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs those who know us know, we feel Susan Parkinson remains shockingly underappreciated. It is perhaps unsurprising then that, to date, nobody has documented her connection to Dora Billington and the Bayswater Three, William Newland, Nicholas Vergette and Margaret Hine (and special mention to James Tower). However, the expression and aesthetic of these figures is inextricably linked. All persons combined painting, sgraffito and wax resist to create varied and striking effects, commonly in black and white. Each explored animal motifs informed by English folk traditions, and imbued their work with a sense of humour. And they all largely worked in South East England.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56651110482307,"sku":null,"price":990.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/very-large-classical-greek-head-sculpture-bust-modernist-british-design-susan-parkinson-roman-head.jpg?v=1788881746"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-eiir-lion-unicorn","title":"Susan Parkinson EIIR Lion \u0026 Unicorn","description":"\u003cp\u003eA pair of Modernist ceramic statues in the form of a Lion \u0026amp; Unicorn designed by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/parkinson-pottery\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e in 1951. These striking figures are central to the story of Richard and Susan Parkinson’s pottery and are among the earliest designs ever created by Susan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to the slight yet evocative features of the lion and unicorn, each figure is painted with stylised fleur-de-lis, '1953', and 'EIIR' (Elizabeth Regina).\u2028This reveals this pair as an early example, made in the first year of production, which coincided with and commemorated the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sculptural forms of Susan’s lion and unicorn were inspired by Arnold Machin’s Zodiac Bull, manufactured by Wedgwood. First exhibited in the V\u0026amp;A’s Britain Can Make It exhibition, Susan was greatly impressed when she saw Zodiac Bull and thought it would be “good fun” to produce a lion and unicorn in a similar style for the Festival of Britain in 1951. [1]\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eS. Parkinson did not meet the deadline for the Festival. Cashmore and Vincent-Smith suggest this was due to Parkinson having just knowledge of moulding methods used for sculpture. Specifically, she had only learned techniques in waste and piece moulding while at the Royal College of Art. [2] \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a result, Susan made the first lion and unicorn models in clay and cast them in plaster of paris, before painting them in an unexacting yet proficient way with ink decoration.\u003cbr\u003eAnd so almost by accident S. Parkinson created the black and white style that was to become the signature of her pottery. However, also using black and white decoration in the early-1950s were William Newland, Nicholas Vergette and Margaret Hine (the Bayswater Three, aka 'Picassoettes') \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ewho were a great inspiration to Susan Parkinson. [3] \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final fortuitous development regards the Lion \u0026amp; Unicorn becoming available to others was with thanks to the Parkinson’s photographer friend Henry Lewes, who had studied with Richard at Guildford School of Art. Lewes had taken some photographs of S. Parkinson’s work and succeeded in getting an image of the Lion \u0026amp; Unicorn printed in the Architects' Journal, the publication he was doing free-lance work for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe photo, in the Architects Journal of 9th October 1952, was accompanied by an optimistic description by R Parkinson, however, everyone was astonished that they received orders from architects for the two ink on plaster models. [4]\u003cbr\u003eEnthused by the interest of and demand from architects the Parkinson’s decided that they could produce the models in ceramic and Susan returned to the Royal College of Art for assistance. Once with moulds the Parkinson’s set about creating a business, their pottery was born, and the lion and unicorn provided the backbone of the Pottery's commercial success during its first few years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[1] Victoria \u0026amp; Albert Museum's, Britain Can Make It exhibition, organised by the Council of Industrial Design, 1946\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[2] Cashmore, Carol and Vincent-Smith, Tim. 'Susan Parkinson and the Richard Parkinson Pottery' (Carol Cashmore, 2004).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[3] William Newland, Nicholas Vergette and Margaret Hine were disparagingly named the 'Picassoettes' by Bernard Leach. The phenomenally inspirational teacher of this trio (and many others) was ceramist Dora Billington. Special mention must also be made to James Tower, due to similarities in his and Parkinson's work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[4] Richard Parkinson’s description beneath the photograph read: \"The photograph shows examples of ceramic sculpture designed by Susan Sanderson in white glazed porcelain with lemon yellow, delft blue or lustre decorations. These designs, which are being submitted to the COID (The Council of Industrial Design) for approval as Coronation souvenirs, are produced by Richard Parkinson and Partners, a small country pottery in Kent built in an old stable and oast house.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56828935471491,"sku":null,"price":750.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/parkinson-pottery-modernist-ceramic-sculpture-collectors-piece-lion-unicorn-black-and-white.jpg?v=1762875304"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-the-8-15-commuters-sculpture","title":"Susan Parkinson 'The 8:15' Commuters Sculpture","description":"\u003cp\u003eA distinctly British porcelain sculpture titled The 8.15, depicting three gentlemen absorbed in their newspapers, designed and made by \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/parkinson-pottery\" title=\"Parkinson Pottery\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e around 1953.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe three figures are, with gentle humour, commuters on the 8.15 train from Ashford to London. Parkinson originally conceived the model for the American market, where buyers requested typically British things.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough each and every country has its commuters, it is true that no one sits on trains quite like the British. Inspiration for Susan’s portrayal of those on their journey from Kent came from her brother-in-law, Alick, who made this trip each day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe would complete The Times crossword while observing his fellow passengers, later reporting on their habits to Susan with great amusement. She found these descriptions irresistibly comic, ‘very English’, and set about capturing what she perceived as the tight-lipped British character in clay; unsmiling and resolutely self-contained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn her own words she memorably summarised; “we do not speak to our neighbours, we do not ask them the answer to 16 across.” [1]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis large example of Parkinson’s work is finished in her preferred colourway, an inky black glaze with an attractive greenish tinge. The piece is overglazed in clear, achieved by firing the sculpture a second time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Cashmore and Smith-Vincent’s book, a photograph of this design shows the left-hand commuter reading a different newspaper. In their illustrated example he reads the Herald, whereas this model features Alick’s paper of choice, The Times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[1] p.28, Cashmore, Carol and Vincent-Smith, Tim. 'Susan Parkinson and the Richard Parkinson Pottery' (Carol Cashmore, 2004).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57227088494979,"sku":null,"price":820.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/profile-susan-parkinson-the-8-15-english-modernism-ceramic-figure-group.jpg?v=1769192895"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-judge-bust","title":"Susan Parkinson 'Judge' Bust","description":"\u003cp\u003eA large Modernist bust of a Right Honourable 'Judge' designed and made by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/parkinson-pottery\" title=\"Parkinson Pottery\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e around 1953.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57423051719043,"sku":null,"price":620.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/very-large-susan-parkinson-statue-of-a-british-judge-in-court-wig-1950s-post-war-modernist-british-studio-art-pottery.jpg?v=1771764350"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-mermaid","title":"Susan Parkinson Mermaid","description":"\u003cp\u003eA delightful porcelain mermaid figurine, designed by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e and created at her pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1955.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSusan Parkinson's 'Small Mermaid' evokes the playful and fun-filled spirit of the golden age of British seaside holidays, having somehow lost her shell bra, perhaps to a stormy sea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike many of Parkinson's smaller creations, the mermaid was likely intended as a cherished souvenir, retailed through a high-end coastal gift shop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe porcelain figure has been freely decorated with Parkinson's signature expressive brushwork; the thick, wavy hair and rhythmic scales are particularly effective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe figure is finished with a characterful face and a distinctly cheeky grin.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62510254096771,"sku":null,"price":270.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/susan-parkinson-pottery-small-mermaid-porcelain-figurine-1950s.jpg?v=1788877997"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-nessie","title":"Susan Parkinson \"Nessie\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eA porcelain \"Nessie\" figurine designed by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e and created at her pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1955.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSusan Parkinson’s Loch Ness Monster is an exceptionally rare undocumented design. “Nessie\" was likely created for a gift shop in the vicinity of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. Of course, this is the origin story of Parkinson's Mouse (model 71), designed in 1956 for a store in the Cornish fishing village of Mousehole.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFurther exploring the context of \"Nessie\", the design is related to two other mythical beasts created around 1955: Parkinson's 'Dragon' and 'Chimera' figurines. The 'Dragon', produced for a Welsh festival, shares the same reptilian head shape and zig-zagged grin as \"Nessie\". However, the Loch Ness Monster is, of course, more aquatic in character, with it's streamlined body and tail tipped with an indented fin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe figure's painted decoration features Parkinson's signature curls and sgraffito marks, while the floral motif that adorns the monster's body perhaps serves to beautify the famous Scottish beast, most commonly referred to as a female.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo reiterate, we have not been able to find another example of this design nor mention of it. No British auction house has knowingly sold the piece. Similarly, the object is not recorded in Carol Cashmore \u0026amp; Tim Vincent-Smith's publication. [1]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs such, the Loch Ness Monster would be one of the most prized additions to any Parkinson collection. Our thoughts on the objects rarity revolve around the specific nature of the design. There is a possibility that, like the Mouse of Mousehole, the \"Nessie\" figurine was commissioned by one specific shop in or around Inverness. However, unlike mice, \"Nessie's\" charm was perhaps less transferable to other boutiques around the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[1] Cashmore, Carol and Vincent-Smith, Tim. 'Susan Parkinson and the Richard Parkinson Pottery' (Carol Cashmore, 2004).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62510412398979,"sku":null,"price":595.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/susan-parkinson-pottery-loch-ness-monster-nessie-figurine-1950s.jpg?v=1788878084"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-money-cat","title":"Susan Parkinson 'Money Cat'","description":"\u003cp\u003eA hand-decorated porcelain money box in the form of a sleeping cat, designed by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e and created at her pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1960.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSusan Parkinson's 'Money Cat' displays her skill as a sculptor; the design brilliantly evokes the character of a delightfully lazy, sleeping, overfed cat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe porcelain figure has been beautifully decorated using a wax-resist technique and features the loose yet confident lines associated with Parkinson's work. The sleeping cat's face is particularly expressive, with fine lines delicately incised into the surface. Complete with whiskers and a contented smile, the 'Money Cat' appears entirely satisfied in its slumber, with its belly full of coins.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62520280383875,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/susan-parkinson-pottery-money-cat-porcelain-money-box-1960s.jpg?v=1788878194"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-dots-dashes-dish-copy","title":"Susan Parkinson Abstract Pin Dish","description":"\u003cp\u003eA biomorphic dish with an abstract naturalistic decoration, designed by \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e and made at her pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1955.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe form of this shallow bowl is a soft diamond shape with gently upturned edges, reminiscent of an unfurling petal. Its organic Modernist profile is not only practical but evocative of 1950s style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painted decoration, like the form itself, beautifully captures the spirit of post-war British design, shaped by the optimism and visual language of the Festival of Britain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA series of fine hand-painted lines curve across the surface of the dish, interspersed with rhythmic arrangements of dots and curls. Abstract in character, the decoration has a distinctly naturalistic quality, perhaps suggestive of the intricate patterning of a butterfly's wing. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62521058886019,"sku":null,"price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/susan-parkinson-biomorphic-mid-century-modern-pin-dish-bowl.jpg?v=1788878345"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-abstract-pin-dish-copy","title":"Susan Parkinson Triangular Dish","description":"\u003cp\u003eA biomorphic dish with an abstract, loosely painted decoration, designed by \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e and made at her pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1955.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shallow dish takes the form of a softened, curved triangle; its rounded edges creating a distinctly Modernist profile. Both sculptural and practical, the form is particularly evocative of 1950s design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painted decoration, like the form itself, beautifully captures the spirit of post-war British design, shaped by the optimism and visual language of the 1951 Festival of Britain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcross the surface, finely painted lines are interspersed with spontaneous dots, splashes and marks, creating a lively and entirely abstract composition. The freedom of Parkinson's brushwork provides a graphic and playful companion to the subtle form of the dish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterestingly, this example was retailed in the American market by Saks Fifth Avenue, whose faded stamp remains visible on the reverse.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62521350029699,"sku":null,"price":210.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/susan-parkinson-pottery-biomorphic-triangular-dish-1950s-british-modernist-ceramics.jpg?v=1788878444"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-black-toucan","title":"Susan Parkinson Black \"Toucan\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eA porcelain \"Toucan\" figurine, designed by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/parkinson-pottery\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e and created at the Parkinson Pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent, 1952.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \"Toucan\" was the very first design produced at Parkinson Pottery and bears the model number '1'. Dating from 1952, when Susan and Richard Parkinson were just beginning to experiment with slip-casting, it was also the first mould designed and made by Susan herself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe simple, sculptural form of this design established many of the characteristics that would define Parkinson Pottery. This example is decorated in black with characteristically loose yet fine lines and marks, created using wax-resist and sgraffito techniques.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough widely known as the 'Toucan', the elegant design was officially named 'Small Bird', while Richard Parkinson also referred to the model as an 'Egyptian Coptic'.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62521397543299,"sku":null,"price":160.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/susan-parkinson-pottery-small-bird-toucan-porcelain-figurine-1952.jpg?v=1788878595"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-large-bird","title":"Susan Parkinson 'Large Bird'","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA large porcelain bird figure, designed by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/parkinson-pottery\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e and created at the Parkinson Pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1953.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis striking model is widely referred to as a \"Toucan\", along with its much smaller counterpart; their official names, however, are simply 'Large Bird' and 'Small Bird'.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis large ornament is a dramatically scaled-up, yet otherwise identical, version of the earlier 'Small Bird' figurine, which was the very first design produced at the Parkinson Pottery in 1952.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe simple, sculptural form established many of the characteristics that would define Parkinson Pottery. Dramatically enlarged, its sweeping silhouette and exaggerated proportions give the 'Large Bird' a particularly strong decorative presence. This white example is finished with Parkinson's characteristically Modernist decoration, with loose abstract markings, spots and spontaneous splashes applied freely across the surface.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62521817039235,"sku":null,"price":290.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/susan-parkinson-pottery-large-bird-toucan-porcelain-figurine-1950s.jpg?v=1788878859"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-storage-jar","title":"Susan Parkinson Storage Jar","description":"\u003cp\u003eA porcelain storage jar with abstract decoration, designed by \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e and made at her pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1958.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lidded jar has an elegant tapered form, providing a perfect canvas for Parkinson's expressive brushwork. Loosely applied using a wax-resist technique, the lower half displays a geometric arrangement of ovals and vertical lines, while above, spontaneous dots, splashes and marks create a lively abstract pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lid is painted black, contrasting with the white body of the jar, while its knop is finished with further expressive incised marks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParkinson's free approach to decoration provides a graphic and playful contrast to the more classical form of the jar, bringing an unmistakably 1950s character to an otherwise traditional object.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62547462521219,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/susan-parkinson-pottery-wax-resist-porcelain-storage-jar-1950s.jpg?v=1788879053"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-pregnant-sheep","title":"Susan Parkinson \"Pregnant Sheep\"","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eAn extraordinary porcelain sculpture of a sheep, designed by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/susan-parkinson\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e and created at the Parkinson Pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1954.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eThis unusually large model is based on a pregnant Greek ewe. Her exaggerated, swollen proportions give the figure a wonderful sculptural quality, while perfectly capturing the rather ample form of an animal shortly before giving birth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 'Sheep', model no. 8, is one of Susan Parkinson's earlier designs and was produced with two different decorative treatments. Earlier examples feature loose, waving brushstrokes suggestive of wool, while later versions were given a more elaborate and time-consuming wax-resist design. This fine example features the latter, with a rhythmic arrangement of geometric squares, ovals and expressive swirls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sheep's sculptural head is dominated by long, pointed ears and large painted eyes. The face is animated by freely drawn lines and curls, while spontaneous splashes and spots, a result of the wax method, are scattered across the surface, lending Parkinson's decoration a fantastically lively, almost uncontrolled energy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62548500382083,"sku":null,"price":390.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/susan-parkinson-pottery-pregnant-sheep-porcelain-figurine-1950s.jpg?v=1788877867"},{"product_id":"susan-parkinson-guy-neale-boxed-trio-of-bottle-stoppers","title":"Susan Parkinson \u0026 Guy Neale Boxed Trio of Bottle Stoppers","description":"\u003cp\u003eA remarkable trio of Parkinson Pottery porcelain bottle stoppers, designed by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/all\/parkinson-pottery\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Susan Parkinson\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eSusan Parkinson\u003c\/a\u003e and Guy Neale and presented in their original box from circa 1955.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pottery's series of bottle stoppers originated following a request from its American buyers for designs with a distinctly British character. Susan Parkinson responded with her Policeman, whose success prompted the development of further designs after Guy Neale joined the pottery in 1954.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis boxed set brings together Parkinson's original Policeman stopper with two of Neale's subsequent designs: a Cavalry Officer, distinguished by his enormous helmet, and, rather less Britishly, a French Gendarme with his characteristic képi and moustache. For these two stoppers, Neale designed the original heads, while Susan adapted the moulds for production and decorated the finished figures in the pottery's distinctive style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original cardboard box is a seldom-seen survival and brilliantly captures the playful visual language of the Parkinson Pottery. The simple blue-lined box is transformed by four large graphic labels, combining an array of typefaces to spell out \"Richard Parkinson Porcelain Bottle Topper Trio\" in white and subtly metallic lettering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurviving together as originally presented, the three bottle stoppers and their original packaging provide an unusually complete expression of the Parkinson Pottery's visual identity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parkinson Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62569665823107,"sku":null,"price":630.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/files\/susan-parkinson-guy-neale-boxed-porcelain-bottle-stopper-trio-1950s-original-box-rarecopy.jpg?v=1788879866"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/9331\/1702\/collections\/Susan_Parkinson_Poster_FINAL.jpg?v=1788956039","url":"https:\/\/www.artandutility.co.uk\/collections\/parkinson-pottery.oembed","provider":"Art \u0026 Utility","version":"1.0","type":"link"}