Collecting Pottery

Sylvac cat

Pottery by fashionable makers and designers is expensive, especially in antique shops and specialised sales, but it is still possible to build an interesting collection of modern ceramics without breaking the bank.

Starting a pottery collection

Tailor of Gloucester

Fakes and copies

Copies of expensive china are common. After years of the Antiques Roadshow, there are not many genuine Ming vases just waiting to be picked up for a song, but some copies have become collectable and valuable in their own right. The recent vogue for Clarice Cliff has led to faking of pieces like the conical sugar shakers - the originals can fetch thousands of pounds at auction.

The cunning forgers use household dust from vacuum cleaners and tea to age their copies. Look out for normal wear, particularly on the base of household pottery - genuine wear from years of use is more difficult to fake than dust.

Pottery marks

Beswick pottery marks

The makers pottery marks can help with identification, but fakes may have convincing copies of the makers mark - though it may not be the right mark. Some fakes of Wedgwood pieces bear the marks of Dresden and Chelsea.Most makers have changed their marks over the years, so identification of genuine marks can be tricky. Happily there are plenty of books on pottery marks, which you can buy or consult in libraries.

Learn about pottery

Try to learn as much as you can about the makers and objects that you collect through books and sale catalogues. There may be collectors clubs that you can join to find out more and to share information with fellow enthusiasts.

Thematic collections

Disney's Bambi

Collecting objects to do with a particular subject is popular. Favourites include famous characters, pets, farm or wild animals and birds. Sporting themes, especially golf and cricket, which appeal to many collectors are priced accordingly.

 Local potteries

Small potteries flourished almost everywhere in Britain. Interest in their wares is continuing to grow and they have become very popular with collectors. Nowadays the best pieces command high prices, especially in local sales.

 Small is beautiful

And often less expensive. You could choose from the many small 20th-century domestic pieces which are still widely available, especially items such as bowls, mugs, jugs, eggcups, toast-racks, ashtrays and thimbles.

 Damage

As with all collectables, damage and wear reduces the value. It is arguable whether even a skilful repair will add much to the value, but it may improve the appearance.

 Packaging

If you can find it, the original packaging may add to the interest and value of the piece.

Good luck with the pot hunting!