November brings something special to Potteries Auctions, a remarkable two-day sale on 7th and 8th featuring nearly 1,400 lots that tell stories of artistry, passion, and dedication. From a private collection hidden for decades to a one-off piece for Stoke’s centenary celebration, this auction offers collectors opportunities they won’t want to miss.
Arthur Berry: Portraits with Power
Two significant works by Arthur Berry (1925-1994) headline the fine art offerings. Lot 708, a signed and dated mixed media portrait titled ‘Woman at Window’ in a complementary rustic frame, captures Berry’s distinctive approach to capturing human emotion.
Lot 747, a large portrait of a lone man with solemn expression from 1993, demonstrates the raw psychological intensity that made Berry’s work so compelling. These pieces represent rare opportunities to acquire works by a famed local artist whose portraits continue to resonate with collectors.
Lot 747
A Private World Revealed: The Border Fine Arts Collection
Kept private throughout the couple’s lives in their moorland home, this collection of 29 lots represents decades of curation and passion. The couple made regular pilgrimages to Dumfries, timing their arrivals to be first in line for the latest releases.
Top pieces include the ‘Victory at the Highland’ Clydesdale horses in strawberry and blue roan colourways by Anne Wall, and ‘Call of the Falcon’ featuring a peregrine falcon and chicks by Ray Ayres.
Lot 588
Lorna Bailey’s Centenary Tribute
In a fitting celebration of Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary year, renowned ceramicist Lorna Bailey has created a unique commemorative vase exclusively for this auction. Bailey, recognised as one of just eight ceramicists among the city’s top 100 most influential figures, was inspired to create this piece following her inclusion in that prestigious list.
“It’s a big honour, and I felt really humbled,” Bailey reflected. The vase represents not just a collectable but a piece of civic history. With interest already building and Bailey’s work regularly selling to international collectors in Australia and the United States, this one-off piece will surely be hotly contested.
Lot 2
Norman Wilson: Wedgwood’s Experimental Genius
Over 40 lots showcase the technical brilliance of Norman Wilson, Wedgwood’s Works Manager and later Joint Managing Director. His experimental Unique Ware pieces, produced in limited quantities are particularly sought after.
Standout lots include a stunning 1949 stoneware studio vase with aventurine black-blue panther fur glaze, hand-signed and dated, and rare Unique Ware Queensware pieces featuring experimental glazes in turquoise, ruby, and crystalline finishes. These were works that pushed the boundaries of ceramic artistry, making each piece significant to collectors of 20th-century British ceramics.
Lot 1043
Viewing and Bidding
Public viewing takes place Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th November, 9:30am – 4pm at Potteries Auctions, Silverdale Saleroom, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 6SS.
The auction commences Friday 7th and Saturday 8th November at 10:00am.
For full catalogues and bidding information see here
Contact: 01782 638100 | enquiries@potteriesauctions.com
