August 13, 2013

Finest Hour 125, Winter 2004-05

Page 43

Arts – BAIRSTOW MANOR
Pots That Tell a Story


Founded in 1938 by Percy Bairstow, Manor Pottery is a family business based in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent. Now run by a husband and wife team, Roger and Brenda Bairstow, their collectables are highly sought-after pieces and fast becoming sound investments.

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By far the most imaginative recent Churchilliana series is Bairstow’s “Life and Times” figures, which offer six different themes. Modelled by Ray Noble, the lifelike figures portray WSC in context of his various roles, an approach very different from the legion of cigar-chomping caricatures.

1. “Winston the Artist,” limited to 3000 (about 600 issued to date) was the first and most popular figure, in part because Bairstows produced a variety of meticulous reproductions of Churchill paintings on his easel, and some collectors must “have them all.” Nine inches high, it was the first pot to depict WSC at work.

2. “Winston the Bricklayer” has him building the Chartwell kitchen garden wall which, like the real one, bears an inset panel: “The greater part of this wall was built between the years 1925 and 1932 by Winston with his own hands.” Although the proclaimed edition is 3000, current numbers (280 to date) suggest that it may never approach that number. There are at least three colourways: black, green and brown.

3. “Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports” is an edition of only 750, of which 211 have been issued. The origins of the Cinque Ports—Dover, Hastings, Hythe, Romney, Sandwich (Winchelsea and Rye were later added to make seven)—are lost in antiquity but the title is England’s oldest military honor. As Lord Warden (1941-65) Churchill was entitled to “all whales washed up” on shores under his jurisdiction: a dubious benefit, since he was also responsible for disposing of the carcasses! This 10-inch figure depicts him in court attire, supported by his ceremonial sword and the Lord Warden banner he flew over Chartwell.

4. “Knight of the Garter” is also limited to 750, of which 190 have been produced to date. Churchill resisted being anything but “Mr. Churchill” after World War II, but was so devoted to The Queen that he accepted when she proposed a knighthood in 1953. He was invested at at Windsor Castle in 1953 and was henceforth known as “Sir Winston.” This brilliant ceramic is 9 1/2 inches high and resplendent in the Garter robes and plumed hat Sir Winston wore proudly. In the background is a turret of Windsor Castle.

5. “The Politician” was expected to be popular, so the edition was raised to 1500, and 240 have already been issued. A majestic, top-hatted figure, 11 inches high, Churchill appears in Parliamentary garb: black morning coat and grey waistcoat. He is supported by St. Stephen’s Tower (the home of Big Ben) and a swirled Union Flag. Measures 4 x 5 1/2” at the base.

Sixth in the Life & Times series is “First Lord of the Admiralty,” not pictured but just released. Figures are available on eBay and from Manor Potteries, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs. UK, ST1 5HP , tel. (01782) 281420 (www. manorpottery.co. uk) and Chartwell Booksellers, 55 E. 52nd St., New York NY 10055 , tel. (212) 308-0643 (www. churchillbooks.com).

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