A collection of modern Moorcroft ceramics owned by a late Oswestry collector sold for more than £27,000 at a leading regional fine art auction house in Shropshire.

All 122 lots in the collection sold at Halls Fine Art’s successful, two-day pictures, ceramics and collectables auction at the company’s Battlefield saleroom, which finished yesterday (Thursday) and attracted international interest.

Top selling lot was a large, limited edition Moorcroft standing vase in the Ryden Lane pattern designed by Rachel Bishop in 1999, which sold for £2,700 to an American buyer who held off the competition from another bidder.

“The American bidder was determined to have the vase and it sold for an exceptional price,” said Caroline Dennard, Halls Fine Art’s ceramics, glass and militaria specialist.

“It was a good quality collection and quite a few private buyers travelled to Shrewsbury and stayed for the weekend, so that they were able to view the Moorcroft pieces before the auction.

“Having originally estimated the collection at upwards of £18,000, I was delighted that it exceeded my expectations. This auction shows that quality and rarity sell well, even if some items are damaged.

“The success of our recent sales demonstrates that Halls Fine Art is the place to sell collections of ceramics and glass.”

Other highlights of the collection were a large, limited edition Moorcroft Prestige jardiniere in the ‘Tree Bark Thief’ pattern designed by Rachel Bishop in 1997, which sold for £2,300 and a large, limited edition vase in the Isle Royale pattern designed by Anji Davenport in 2004, which sold for £1,000.

“Modern Moorcroft retains its commerciality because it is one of the very few long-standing English potteries still producing ceramics made in England,” added Caroline.

“The name Moorcroft continues to be associated with high quality and interest is bolstered by the fact that it is still a going concern and the factory is available to visit and see in action.

“Limited editions are always popular and the ‘Prestige’ jardiniere and stand were from one of the most sought-after ranges, which includes pieces that are both intricate in design and large in size.”

Other leading prices in the ceramics section, which totalled near £55,000, were a mixed lot of Royal Doulton, including three rare but damaged figures, which made £2,200 and a set of nine Saxonian Napoleonic era military soldiers which sold for £1,250.

An extensive collection of Royal Albert Old Country Rose tableware and giftware, which extended to 270 pieces, sold for £1,000 and a 1920s Royal Doulton ‘Sung’ flambe vase fetched £950.

To consign ceramics and glass to the next auction, contact Caroline on Tel: 01743 450700.