Large Susan Parkinson Pottery toucan bird, handmade in England 1950s. The model, with abstract decoration, is sometimes referred to as Egyptian Coptic.
Bayswater Group-era British ceramics, Susan Parkinson Large Toucan in the wider context of William Newland, Margaret Hine and Nicholas Vergette
Post-war British Modernism, Susan Parkinson Large Toucan showing the sculptural simplicity of early Parkinson Pottery
1950s British decorative ceramics, Susan Parkinson Large Bird from the early years of Susan and Richard Parkinson's pottery
A white ceramic bird figurine with black painted details, a post-war British ceramic design inspired by James Tower. Susan Parkinson created the Large Bird circa 1953.
A small sculptural bird figurine in white with bold black painted markings. Festival of Britain-era design, Susan Parkinson Large Bird porcelain sculpture dating from circa 1953
Back of a Modernist animal sculpture, Susan Parkinson white porcelain Toucan with freely painted abstract decoration
Picassoettes and post-war British ceramics, Susan Parkinson Large Bird with lively abstract surface decoration
Front view of a Mid-century Modernist bird sculpture, Susan Parkinson Large Toucan with simplified form and spontaneous abstract markings.
Close up of the head of a British mid-century ceramic sculpture, Susan Parkinson Large Bird with sweeping silhouette and exaggerated proportions
Post-war British studio pottery, Susan Parkinson Large Toucan produced at Parkinson Pottery in Kent
A large white ceramic bird figurine with black speckled details and a stylized eye. Collectable British art pottery by Susan Parkinson for the Richard Parkinson Pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent.
A close-up of a white ceramic bird figurine with black speckled details and a stylized eye. 1950s British studio ceramics, Susan Parkinson Large Bird with loose markings, spots and spontaneous splashes
Side view of a 1950s British Modernist ceramic sculpture, Susan Parkinson Large Bird in hand-decorated porcelain, circa 1953
A large white ceramic bird figurine with black painted details. Post-war ceramic sculpture by Susan Parkinson. The Large Bird is a rare piece by the short lived Richard Parkinson pottery.
Playful mood image showing two 1950s Modernist animal figures. Both items are porcelain Toucans by Susan Parkinson. The small black example came first, and later Susan Parkinson enlarged the design, seen on the right.
Two ceramic bird figurines, one glossy black and one matte white with black speckles. Both designs are British Modernist sculptures by Susan Parkinson, an under appreciated name in Post-War English design / decorative arts.
Top down view of two decorative bird figurines, one large white with black abstract markings and one small black with white markings. Both collectable 1950s British ceramic design by Susan Parkinson. For sale in the UK from Art & Utility.
Underside of Susan Parkinson Large Toucan. Stamped with Richard Parkinson  Pottery maker mark stamp. Made in England is also handwritten into the clay. Rare British mid-century decorative art piece for sale in the UK.
Parkinson Pottery

Susan Parkinson 'Large Bird'

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A large porcelain bird figure, designed by Susan Parkinson and created at the Parkinson Pottery in Brabourne Lees, Kent, circa 1953.

This 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'.

This 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.

The 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.

Model Name: ‘Large Bird’

Designer: Susan Parkinson 

Manufacturer: Parkinson Pottery 

Year of Design: C. 1953

Dates Produced: C. 1953-60

Colour: White, black 

Height: 16.5 cm, Width: 12 cm, Depth: 16 cm 

Condition: Perfect. 

Branding: Impressed with Full ‘Richard Parkinson Made in England' stamp, and handwritten "Made In England" incision.